AKP Phnom Penh, May 22, 2026 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday afternoon hosted a diplomatic briefing on the situation of Cambodian cultural sites along the Cambodia-Thailand border, with participation from 44 heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Cambodia.

The briefing, held in Phnom Penh, was delivered by H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona expressed her appreciation to the heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations for their presence and continued support for the peaceful settlement of Cambodia-Thailand border disputes.

She reaffirmed the legal basis for Cambodia’s sovereignty over cultural sites occupied by Thai armed forces since December 2025, including the Tamone Temple Complexes, Ta Krabey Temple, and Khnar Temple.

The Minister also highlighted the extensive destruction inflicted on the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, as well as damage to other cultural monuments of outstanding universal value.

According to H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Thailand’s activities at the Tamone Temple Complexes, Ta Krabey, and Khnar temple sites since the ceasefire agreement of Dec. 27, 2025 amount to unlawful assertions of Thai sovereignty.

She noted that such activities included the conduct of religious ceremonies, visits to the sites by Thai cabinet members, unauthorised restoration work, the inclusion of the temples in Thailand's national heritage inventory and installation of many permanent structures such as large Buddha statues.

The Minister stressed that Cambodia has lodged several diplomatic protests and will continue to firmly oppose such unlawful activities aimed at creating a fait accompli on the ground and advancing unfounded claims over Cambodian cultural heritage.

She concluded the briefing by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to resolving border disputes with Thailand through peaceful means in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements, while underscoring that peace between the two neighbouring countries is essential to the harmony, unity, and progress of ASEAN and the region as a whole.

By C. Nika