Hun Manet Challenges Thai Bunker Claim, Questions Thai Troops Celebration After Preah Vihear Strike
Hun Manet Challenges Thai Bunker Claim, Questions Thai Troops Celebration After Preah Vihear Strike
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 2, 2026 — Prime Minister Hun Manet has rejected Thailand’s claim that military bunkers near Preah Vihear Temple were among the targets of its attacks, saying the structures were primarily intended to protect civilians, including conservation workers.
Citing information from the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Hun Manet said the shelters had been reinforced with sandbags and were used by civilians seeking protection during the fighting.
He also pointed to women sheltering in the area during the early days of the conflict as evidence supporting the government’s account.
Thailand has alleged that Cambodian military positions in the vicinity of Preah Vihear were among the targets of its attacks. Hun Manet disputed that justification and rejected the suggestion that the shelters were military positions.
He also criticised the destruction of a temple restoration site, including a crane being used for conservation work.
“After they destroyed our property, they laughed and claimed they had only fired at our military positions. What were they firing at that crane for?” Hun Manet said.
Hun Manet said Preah Vihear Temple had sustained extensive damage during Thai airstrikes and shelling, with more than 500 locations reportedly damaged.
He said Cambodian authorities had invited journalists, UNESCO representatives and other observers to inspect the affected areas, maintaining that Cambodia had nothing to hide regarding the damage.
The dispute over the temple and surrounding military positions remains contested, with Cambodia and Thailand presenting different accounts of the targets, circumstances and justification for the military operations.
Hun Manet made the remarks as the two sides continued to dispute the circumstances surrounding the damage to Preah Vihear Temple and military activities in the area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
