Stop Cambodian-Thai Conflict Before It Wipes Out Ancient Temples
The Preah Vihear temple is located in Preah Vihear Province where border territories are disputed by Cambodia and Thailand. (Photo courtesy of Dr Thourn Sinan
By Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, July 25 (Bernama) -- A leading tourism body is urging the international community to help protect Cambodia's priceless ancient temples amid the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association Cambodia Chapter Chairman, Dr Thourn Sinan, said destruction of the ancient temples would be a significant loss, not just to the Cambodian people, but to the world.
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'This is bigger than the borders. It's about human dignity and world heritage. Temples like Preah Vihear, Ta Moan, and Ta Krabey have stood for centuries. If they are destroyed, it is not just Cambodia's loss - it is the world's loss.
'These sites are not just Cambodia landmarks, they are recognised as part of the world's cultural heritage,' Sinan told Bernama today.
The Preah Vihear temple is located in Preah Vihear province, while Ta Maon Temple and Ta Kra Bei Temple are located in Odor Meanchey province.
These areas have become flash points for the two neighbours which have become adversaries over decades-long territorial disputes.
Although tensions were sporadic in the past, on Thursday, the dispute turned ugly with heightened military engagement between the two nations at the borders.
Sinan is urging the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), ASEAN, and the United Nations to protect the world heritage sites and stop the conflict before it becomes a conflagration.
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