UNESCO has expressed strong concern over renewed conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, warning that the escalation threatens cultural heritage in the border region, including the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In a statement, the Paris-based organisation called for the urgent protection of cultural heritage “in all its forms” and reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, notably the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
“UNESCO will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection,” the organisation said.
it added that it has shared the geographical coordinates of World Heritage sites and nationally significant locations with all parties “in order to avoid any potential damage”.
The warning came against the backdrop of a sharp military escalation reported along the border which Cambodian authorities say included strikes near and on ancient temple sites.
According to a summarised timeline released by Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on December 10, Thai forces initiated a series of attacks on Cambodian positions in Military Region 4 starting at 05.20am, with the first assault reported in the Ta Mone Temple area. The situation escalated rapidly within hours.
By 07.05, Thai aircraft were reported to have dropped bombs behind the temple, followed by heavy artillery fire and aerial bombing directed at the site itself.
“The assault broadened by 08.00 to include attacks on multiple areas such as Ta Krabei Temple, Khna Temple, Thmar Don, Ta Thav and An Ses,” the ministry said.
At around 09.40am, Thai forces allegedly used fighter aircraft to strike targets including An Ses, Phnom Khmoch and Preah Vihear Temple.
Cambodian authorities said the air campaign was then followed by Thai infantry advances into the Veal Entry and Chamkar Chek areas.
UNESCO said it stands ready to provide technical assistance to safeguard cultural property and implement emergency protection measures “as soon as conditions allow”.
Preah Vihear Temple, perched on a cliff along the Cambodia–Thailand border, has long been a flashpoint during periods of bilateral tension.
UNESCO’s warning highlights growing international concern that the latest clashes risk causing irreversible damage to irreplaceable cultural and historical sites.
