In response to recent online rumours, the Preah Vihear provincial department of culture and fine arts has firmly denied reports suggesting that statues at Banteay Khnong temple were recently damaged.
The statements were disseminated via an unverified social media account under the name Sisowath Sithiden, which claimed that the temple in Preah Vihear province was the latest target of heritage looting.
The social media user stated, “In this modern day, such heritage looting still happens. Poor Cambodia! I am saddened to see this. I heard the rumour that more destruction still happens and I would like the authorities to clarify on this. I am concerned about our legacy left for us by our ancestors”.
Contrary to these allegations, the culture and fine arts department insists that the statues in question were actually damaged in the 1990s, debunking the widely circulated misinformation.
This contrasts with the assertion made by the social media user that the damage occurred recently.
“The department of culture and fine arts strongly denies such information as well as the pictures attached, which could make the public confused,” it said in a July 6 statement.
The department further assured that the temple is under the constant vigilance of at least 30 conservation forces and heritage police, adding another layer of credibility to their rebuttal.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against disinformation on social media platforms, with the potential for such claims to incite public confusion and concern.
The department’s prompt clarification not only rectified the misleading narrative but also underscored their commitment to safeguarding the province’s cultural legacy.
