The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has confirmed it is closely monitoring and assessing damage to several iconic Cambodian temples following reports they were hit by Thai military shelling during renewed border clashes.
Speaking from France via video link to the 32nd Plenary Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk) on Dec. 12, 2025, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the World Heritage Centre, emphasised Cambodia’s “exceptionally rich cultural heritage” of global significance.
Mr. Assomo stated that UNESCO is currently conducting detailed monitoring and preparing technical and emergency support to help safeguard Cambodian heritage sites, in full accordance with international legal frameworks.
His remarks follow reports that Thai forces deployed heavy weaponry against ancient Khmer monuments, including Ta Krabey Temple and the Preah Vihear Temple complex, during recent armed confrontations along the disputed border.
UNESCO first expressed “deep concern” on Dec. 10 over the escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly in areas surrounding the World Heritage site of Preah Vihear Temple.
The organisation urged all parties to immediately implement measures to protect cultural heritage in all its forms and to fully comply with international obligations, specifically citing the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
