India Expresses Deep Concern Over Damage to Preah Vihear Temple Amid Thailand–Cambodia Border Clashes

New Delhi: India has expressed deep concern over the damage reported to the ancient Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, also known as Prasat Preah Vihear, following recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.

The temple, which is more than 1,100 years old, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long remained at the center of a territorial dispute between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said any damage to heritage conservation facilities is “deeply unfortunate and a matter of serious concern.”

He said that the Preah Vihear temple is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and forms part of the shared cultural heritage of all humanity. India, he noted, has been closely involved in conservation efforts related to the temple for many years.

“We sincerely hope that all necessary steps will be taken to fully protect the temple and its associated conservation infrastructure,” Jaiswal said. He also reiterated India’s appeal to both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise restraint and immediately halt hostilities.

“We once again urge both sides to show restraint, stop the fighting, prevent further escalation, and return to the path of dialogue and peace,” the MEA spokesperson said in an official statement.

The Preah Vihear temple has been a major flashpoint in the long-standing dispute between the two countries. Although a ceasefire was reached earlier this year following mediation efforts, reports indicate that the truce has now collapsed.

In July, a five-day conflict between Thailand and Cambodia was halted after intervention by then US President Donald Trump. However, tensions have flared up again in recent weeks.

According to Thai military sources, intense fighting took place last week after two Thai soldiers were injured. On Thursday, heavy shelling reportedly led to the deaths of three Thai civilians. So far, around 24 people have been killed on both sides, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced due to the renewed violence.

UNESCO has also expressed grave concern over the fighting in the vicinity of the temple. The global cultural body stated that it stands ready to provide technical assistance if required to safeguard the heritage site. The dispute itself dates back more than a century, rooted in disagreements over border demarcations drawn during the French colonial period in 1907, which Thailand does not fully accept.

In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, a decision that remains contested by sections of Thai society. Amid escalating tensions, India has strongly appealed to both nations to prioritize peace and ensure the protection of this invaluable ancient heritage site.

Also Read: Lokayukta Raid on Aide’s Residence: Assets Worth ₹14.38 Crore Unearthed in Bengaluru