The Cambodian government has accused Thailand of deploying cluster bombs and causing “serious damage” to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, amid escalating border clashes. Cambodian officials are now calling on UNESCO to urgently assess the destruction and activate protective mechanisms for the ancient temple.
In a press briefing this morning, Lieutenant General Maly Socheata of the Ministry of National Defense said Thai forces carried out seven cross-border strikes between 3:20 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., including at least two attacks using cluster munitions — weapons widely condemned under international law.
“Thailand’s use of cluster bombs is a grave violation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions,” Socheata stated. She detailed strikes on Phnom Khmaoch, Ta Moan, Ta Krabei Temple, and several other locations in Preah Vihear Province, resulting in widespread damage and panic among civilians.
At the same time, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (MCFA) warned of extensive destruction to Preah Vihear Temple, reportedly from F-16 airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling by Thai forces. Minister Phoeurng Sackona noted visible damage to the temple’s key structures, including Gopuras I, II, III, and V.
“The Preah Vihear Temple is protected under multiple international conventions, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property,” Sackona emphasized, urging UNESCO and the International Coordinating Committee (ICC-Preah Vihear) to deploy experts for an immediate impact assessment.
Meetings were held with representatives from India and China — co-chairs of the ICC — as well as the Head of the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh. However, UNESCO has not yet issued a public response.
From Bangkok, Thai military officials denied targeting cultural heritage. Deputy Army Spokesperson Col. Ritcha Suksuwanon stated that Thai operations were “strictly retaliatory” and aimed at “defensive border protection” against alleged Cambodian aggression.
Meanwhile, the fighting has had a significant humanitarian impact. According to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, 260 schools across Oddar Meanchey province were closed as of July 25. Thousands of students stayed home due to fear, with photos from local administrators showing empty schoolyards.
Over 3,400 families have been evacuated from conflict zones, according to provincial officials. UNICEF issued a statement urging both governments to de-escalate and prioritize the safety of children and civilians.
