Cambodia seeks Unesco intervention over Thai Angkor Wat replica
The statement, delivered by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, highlighted the cultural and ethical implications of the project, which Cambodia views as a violation of the integrity and soul of Khmer national heritage.
Sackona emphasised the significance of Angkor Wat to Cambodia's national identity.
'This project has been undertaken without any prior consultation or regard for the ethical principles related to our culture. It seriously undermines the integrity, authenticity and outstanding universal value of this iconic site,' she said.
The construction of the replica, Wat Phra Phutthabat Sila — also known as Wat Phu Man Fa — which continues despite international concerns, has raised alarm over its potential to set a dangerous precedent for the misappropriation and commodification of World Heritage sites.
Cambodia's culture ministry insists that such actions violate ethical principles related to cultural respect and heritage preservation.
'Despite Cambodia's efforts, construction continues,' said the minister.'
'Such a situation risks setting a deeply troubling precedent for all World Heritage sites. We therefore request Unesco and its advisory bodies to examine this matter with the utmost attention,' she added.
The Cambodian government urged Unesco and its advisory bodies to scrutinise the project closely, warning of the broader implications for cultural preservation.
'We are deeply concerned that this project threatens the uniqueness and sacredness of Angkor Wat,' Sackona continued.
As she addressed the 40th Technical Meeting of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Committee, she declared that the Thai replica constitutes a blatant violation of Thailand's obligations as a State Party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
It undermines the outstanding universal value and authenticity of the Angkor site, infringes upon the identity and soul of Khmer national culture, and reflects a serious breach of heritage ethics, she noted.
The replica, located in Nang Rong district of Buriram province, is part of the Siha Nakhon project, which covers 320,000sq m, and is designed to replicate the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the iconic temple complex and national symbol of Cambodia.
The project, which includes three large cone-shaped towers surrounded by structures in a variety of artistic styles, has sparked controversy due to its striking resemblance to the Unesco-listed Angkor Wat. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
30 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai and Cambodia militaries negotiate ahead of commanders meeting
Displaced people reacting inside a temporary shelter after an announcement of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia on July 28, 2025. - Reuters BANGKOK: Negotiations are ongoing between the militaries of Thailand and Cambodia on Tuesday (July 29), a Thai army spokesman said, even as the Thai side accused Cambodian troops of multiple attacks in violation of a ceasefire that came into effect at midnight. The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia met in Malaysia on Monday and agreed to halt their deadliest conflict in more than a decade following five days of intense fighting that displaced over 300,000 people. "There are still efforts ongoing for negotiation between the two sides," said Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, the Thai army's deputy spokesperson, adding that military commanders were likely to meet at 10am local time (0300 GMT). In the ceasefire agreement announced in Malaysia, the two militaries were to hold talks at 7am on Tuesday, following a cessation of violence at midnight. The Thai army said in a statement that Cambodia had conducted attacks at multiple locations early on Tuesday in violation of the ceasefire and Thailand had retaliated proportionately in self defence. A spokesperson for Cambodia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. - Reuters
The Star
30 minutes ago
- The Star
Thai and Cambodia border calm ahead of military commanders meeting
A view shows an empty street of Samraong, the capital of Oddar Meanchey province, about 20 km (12 miles) from the border, from where people evacuated during ceasefire talks in Malaysia, as the deadly border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia extended to a fifth day, Cambodia, July 28, 2025. REUTERS/Chantha Lach BANGKOK (Reuters) -The Thailand-Cambodia border, where fighting has raged since last week, is now calm following a ceasefire deal and military commanders from both sides are set to meet for talks on Tuesday, acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. Phumtham and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, met in Malaysia on Monday and agreed to halt their deadliest conflict in more than a decade following five days of intense fighting that displaced over 300,000 people and killed at least 38 people, mostly civilians. The Thai army said in a statement there had been attacks by Cambodian troops in at least five locations early on Tuesday, violating the ceasefire that had come into effect from midnight, and Thailand's military had retaliated proportionately. Phumtham played down the clashes, and said he had spoken with Cambodia's defence minister ahead of the talks between military commanders, which are scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. local time (0300 GMT). "There is no escalation," Phumtham told reporters. "Right now things are calm." Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for the Cambodian Defence Ministry, said in a briefing on Tuesday that there had been no continued fighting along the border. Monday's peace talks came after a sustained push by Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. President Donald Trump, with the latter warning Thai and Cambodian leaders that trade negotiations would not progress if fighting continued. Thailand and Cambodia face a tariff of 36% on their goods in the U.S., their biggest export market, unless a reduction can be negotiated. After the ceasefire deal was reached, Trump said he had spoken to both leaders and had instructed his trade team to restart tariff talks. The Southeast Asian neighbours have wrangled for decades over their disputed frontier and have been on a conflict footing since the killing of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish late in May, which led to a troop buildup on both sides and a full-blown diplomatic crisis. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by John Mair)
The Star
30 minutes ago
- The Star
Cambodian general close to Hun Sen killed in Thai border clash
BANGKOK: A source in Thailand's Second Army Area confirmed at 11.13pm on Monday (July 28) the death of Gen Srey Duk, deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Army and commander of the 3rd Support Division, during a clash along the Thai-Cambodian border. Gen Srey Duk was widely known as a close confidant of former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, having fought alongside him in past conflicts. Notably, Srey Duk also served as Cambodia's lead representative in negotiations with Maj Gen Somphop Paravech, commander of Thailand's Suranaree Task Force, to resolve a border intrusion dispute at Chong Bok. These talks, which led to the backfilling of trenches and troop repositioning to prior locations on June 8, 2025, were seen as a key step in de-escalating the situation—until hostilities resumed. Meanwhile, at 10.28pm, the Royal Thai Air Force dispatched two F-16 fighter jets to carry out a strategic mission over the Ta Kwai temple area. The operation aimed to cut off Cambodian reinforcement routes and neutralise artillery positions providing cover fire. The mission was reported as a success, with the aircraft returning safely to base. - The Nation/ANN
