Latest news with #CultureandFineArts
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Border conflict: Cambodia Culture Minister warns of damage to Preah Vihear Temple, urges Unesco intervention
A map shows the location of the damage caused to the Unesco-listed Preah Vihear Temple. - Supplied PHNOM PENH: Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona presented evidence of the damage caused to parts of the Preah Vihear Temple by artillery shelling and bombing by Thai F-16 fighter jets on Thursday (July 24). She called for urgent measures to prevent further damage. The minister met with representatives from the Indian and Chinese embassies, co-chairs of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Enhancement of the Preah Vihear Temple (ICC-Preah Vihear), and the Unesco office in Phnom Penh to discuss the damage. According to a culture ministry press release, she asserted that Thailand has targeted parts of the temple with heavy artillery and airstrikes. During the meeting, the minister expressed concern over the consequences of the current conflict, which has caused damage to the temple's first, second, third, and fifth gopuras (gateways) of the temple and its main structure. The temple is protected under several international conventions, including the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property. 'Minister Phoeurng Sackona requested the ICC-Preah Vihear co-chairs and the Unesco representative in Phnom Penh to take urgent measures to protect the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage Site, from Thai military action,' said the release. She also urged Unesco to utilise its existing mechanisms, particularly its advisory bodies, to assess the impact and include the findings in discussions at the upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia seeks Unesco intervention over Thai Angkor Wat replica
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia formally expressed its profound concerns over the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Wat temple in Buriram province, Thailand, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at Unesco's Headquarters in Paris, France. 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
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Thousands celebrate International Yoga Day across Southeast Asia
Bangkok: Several Southeast Asian nations, including Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, celebrated the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Saturday, emphasising Yoga for unity and sustainability. More than 4000 participants from different walks of life in Thailand celebrated the 11th IDY at the iconic ground of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. 'Over 4000 participants from different walks of life performed the Yoga Protocol in unison, reflecting the spirit of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. It was the culmination of the celebrations to commemorate 10 years of IDY. In Thailand, this milestone has been marked by more than 30 yoga events held in different parts of the country over the past 100 days,' Indian Embassy in Bangkok posted on X. Addressing the event, Indian Ambassador to Thailand Nagesh Singh in his welcome remarks highlighted the role of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and environmental wellbeing, which align with global call for unity and sustainability. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, and Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University participated in the event. They encouraged people to embrace yoga for physical and emotional wellbeing and sustainable living and highlighted how the growing popularity of yoga in Thailand has brought the people of the two countries even closer. The 2025 theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' has emphasised the connection between personal well-being and planetary health, aligning with India's broader vision of global harmony through traditional wisdom. In Cambodia, the 11th IDY was celebrated in front of the iconic Buddhist temple, Botum Vatey Monastery in Phnom Penh. Appreciating the support from the Cambodian Government in organising the event, the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh posted on X stating, 'Thanks to Ministries of Tourism, Culture and Fine Arts, Education, Youth and Sport, and Phnom Penh Capital Administration for the support. Special thanks to Huot Hak, Cambodian Minister of Tourism for gracing the event.' Additionally, in Vietnam, the IDY was observed at Hanoi with the Common Yoga Protocol, joined by the Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam; Vice Chairman of Vietnam India Parliamentary Friendship Group; Ambassadors of India, Thailand and Sri Lanka and about 1000 friends of Yoga for One Earth, One Health.
