MEA Urges Protection Of Preah Vihear Temple Amid Cambodia–Thailand Border Clashes

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged strong protection for the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, following reports of damage to conservation facilities during the ongoing clashes between Cambodia and Thailand. Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports regarding damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear during the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border clashes. Any damage to conservation facilities is unfortunate and is a matter of concern."

Taking note of the situation, the MEA appealed to both countries to exercise restraint, halt hostilities, and prevent any further escalation. The ministry underlined that the Preah Vihear Temple is a shared cultural heritage of humanity, and India has been deeply involved in its preservation efforts. The official statement expressed hope that all necessary steps would be taken to fully protect the temple and associated conservation structures.

The appeals come amid reports of rising tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, where clashes that began on December 10 involved artillery and rocket attacks targeting civilians. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the violence, according to local media.

Reaffirming its stance, the MEA spokesperson said, "We once again reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise restraint and to take measures for cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation. We urge them to return to the path of dialogue and peace."

UNESCO has also issued a call for urgent measures to protect the site, expressing strong concern over renewed hostilities between the two countries. The Paris-based UN agency reminded all parties of their obligations under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

"UNESCO will continue to monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the region, with a view to ensuring its protection," the organisation said, adding that it stands ready to provide technical assistance and emergency protection measures "as soon as conditions allow."

The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand dates back to a 1907 French colonial map, which placed the Preah Vihear Temple inside Cambodian territory. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, tensions resurfaced in 2008 when Cambodia sought UNESCO World Heritage status for the temple, resulting in years of intermittent clashes.

Cambodia again approached the ICJ in 2011 after several military confrontations that left around 20 people dead. The court reaffirmed its earlier ruling in 2013.

Central to the dispute have been competing claims over ancient Hindu temples, including Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear. The Preah Vihear Temple itself was constructed during the 11th and 12th centuries under the Khmer Empire, which once ruled much of Southeast Asia, including Siam, the former name of Thailand.