Beyond their usual visits to the ancient temples of Siem Reap’s Angkor Archaeological Park, groups of Cambodian citizens and local authorities have been conducting spiritual ceremonies and offering prayers at the temples, asking for divine protection of the homeland, Cambodian soldiers and the people living along the border, amid the ongoing border tensions with Thailand.
The APSARA National Authority (ANA) noted that in addition to its global cultural fame as a World Heritage Site, Angkor is also regarded by Cambodians as a sacred place to pay homage to the divine powers of ancient deities.
“Every day, many Cambodians — whether from Siem Reap or distant provinces — along with worshippers of several other nationalities, bring offerings such as candles, incense, flowers and fruit to worship and offer prayers. They are asking for peace and victory for Cambodian frontline forces across all battlefields,” said the ANA.
“They pray that the spiritual powers of Angkor protect the soldiers from danger and bring them peace and prosperity. They especially wish for Cambodia to be free from war, disease, and to enjoy lasting happiness,” it added.
Meanwhile in Preah Vihear province, Kong Puthikar, director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, led officials to pray at Prasat Krahom, the shrine of Neak Ta Meung in the Koh Ker area, the spirit of King Domrei Sar, and other sacred places at Koh Ker, asking for protection for the authority’s officials, local people of the Dangrek mountain range, and especially the Cambodian troops who are stationed along the range to defend national sovereignty.
Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently suffered severe damage from attacks by the Thai military, which used heavy weapons, drones and aerial bombings during the recent border clashes.
The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), which includes 93 member states and governments, called on Thailand to respect the rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the border disputes with Cambodia. The ICJ ruled in favour of Cambodia on two occasions: in 1962 and again in 2013.
