India described the damage to the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple on the Thai-Cambodian border during recent border clashes as “unfortunate.”
India expressed concern over damage to the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple during Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, calling it “unfortunate” and urging both countries to exercise restraint, prevent escalation, and protect the UNESCO World Heritage site.
India on Friday appealed to Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and prevent escalation of hostilities as the two countries resumed border clashes, which reportedly damaged the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located at the Thai-Cambodian border.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said any damage to conservation facilities was “unfortunate” and a matter of concern. “The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear temple is a shared cultural heritage of humanity. India has been closely involved in its preservation,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement.
“We sincerely hope that all measures will be taken to fully safeguard the site and related conservation facilities. We once again reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise restraint and to take measures for cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation. We urge them to return to the path of dialogue and peace,” he added.
India’s response came as Thailand and Cambodia resumed border clashes this week, despite a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Clashes raged at more than a dozen locations along their 817-km (508-mile) border in some of the most intense fighting since a five-day battle in July, with both sides blaming each other for renewed hostilities.
Thailand’s army has made clear it wants to cripple Cambodia’s military capabilities and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday said operations would not stop. The Cambodian government said it wanted peace and had acted in self-defence, adding that it was willing to negotiate.
UNESCO Urges Protection For Hindu Temple
At the centre of the border dispute is the Preah Vihear Temple, known in Thai as Phra Viharn. The ancient Hindu temple, built during the golden age of the Khmer Empire in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the Thai-Cambodian border. The site remains spiritually and culturally significant for both countries.
Recent reports claimed that Thailand’s military significantly damaged the temple site by using artillery and aerial attacks, hitting several gateways, statues, the northern staircase, and conservation buildings. This was in violation of international law despite Thai claims of targeting only military assets.
UNESCO raised serious concerns over the escalating Thailand-Cambodia conflict near the Preah Vihear Temple and urged both nations to ensure urgent protection of cultural heritage and uphold international commitments.
In its statement, UNESCO stressed the need to protect the region’s heritage “in all its forms,” invoking international laws such as the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. The agency said it will continue observing the situation and is prepared to offer technical support and emergency protection measures when conditions improve.
The temple had long been contested by both countries since Cambodia’s independence from France. In 1962 and 2013, the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia in a long-running dispute with Thailand over jurisdiction of land around the ancient temple, a decision that was rejected by Bangkok.
