Cambodia Says Preah Vihear Temple Damaged in 562 Spots

Cambodia Says Preah Vihear Temple Damaged in 562 Spots

PHNOM PENH, April 6, 2026 — Cambodia has reported extensive damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, attributing the destruction to past military attacks by Thai forces.

Pheng Sam Oeun, deputy director-general of the Preah Vihear National Authority, said the temple had sustained damage at 562 locations, affecting walls, roofs and structural elements.

Speaking at a press forum at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on Monday, he said some sections of the ancient structure are at risk of collapse, with experts now preparing urgent intervention plans.

The temple, located along the contested Cambodia–Thailand border, has been a longstanding flashpoint between the two countries.

Cambodia said it has reported the damage to the UNESCO, submitting documentation in multiple stages. An earlier assessment recorded 142 damaged sites, followed by a second report detailing an additional 420 points of damage.

Officials described the situation as a “tragedy” for cultural heritage, highlighting the need for preservation and international attention.

Preah Vihear Temple, dating back to the Khmer Empire, is one of Cambodia’s most significant historical landmarks and was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2008.

Cambodia has repeatedly called for the protection of cultural heritage sites amid border tensions, emphasising the importance of safeguarding historical monuments from conflict-related damage.