Latest news with #PhoeurngSackona
The Star
25-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Border conflict: Cambodia Culture Minister warns of damage to Preah Vihear Temple, urges Unesco intervention
A map shows the location of the damage caused to the Unesco-listed Preah Vihear Temple. - Supplied PHNOM PENH: Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona presented evidence of the damage caused to parts of the Preah Vihear Temple by artillery shelling and bombing by Thai F-16 fighter jets on Thursday (July 24). She called for urgent measures to prevent further damage. The minister met with representatives from the Indian and Chinese embassies, co-chairs of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Enhancement of the Preah Vihear Temple (ICC-Preah Vihear), and the Unesco office in Phnom Penh to discuss the damage. According to a culture ministry press release, she asserted that Thailand has targeted parts of the temple with heavy artillery and airstrikes. During the meeting, the minister expressed concern over the consequences of the current conflict, which has caused damage to the temple's first, second, third, and fifth gopuras (gateways) of the temple and its main structure. The temple is protected under several international conventions, including the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property. 'Minister Phoeurng Sackona requested the ICC-Preah Vihear co-chairs and the Unesco representative in Phnom Penh to take urgent measures to protect the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage Site, from Thai military action,' said the release. She also urged Unesco to utilise its existing mechanisms, particularly its advisory bodies, to assess the impact and include the findings in discussions at the upcoming World Heritage Committee meeting. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia seeks Unesco intervention over Thai Angkor Wat replica
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia formally expressed its profound concerns over the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Wat temple in Buriram province, Thailand, during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held at Unesco's Headquarters in Paris, France. The statement, delivered by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, highlighted the cultural and ethical implications of the project, which Cambodia views as a violation of the integrity and soul of Khmer national heritage. Sackona emphasised the significance of Angkor Wat to Cambodia's national identity. 'This project has been undertaken without any prior consultation or regard for the ethical principles related to our culture. It seriously undermines the integrity, authenticity and outstanding universal value of this iconic site,' she said. The construction of the replica, Wat Phra Phutthabat Sila — also known as Wat Phu Man Fa — which continues despite international concerns, has raised alarm over its potential to set a dangerous precedent for the misappropriation and commodification of World Heritage sites. Cambodia's culture ministry insists that such actions violate ethical principles related to cultural respect and heritage preservation. 'Despite Cambodia's efforts, construction continues,' said the minister.' 'Such a situation risks setting a deeply troubling precedent for all World Heritage sites. We therefore request Unesco and its advisory bodies to examine this matter with the utmost attention,' she added. The Cambodian government urged Unesco and its advisory bodies to scrutinise the project closely, warning of the broader implications for cultural preservation. 'We are deeply concerned that this project threatens the uniqueness and sacredness of Angkor Wat,' Sackona continued. As she addressed the 40th Technical Meeting of the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk Committee, she declared that the Thai replica constitutes a blatant violation of Thailand's obligations as a State Party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention. It undermines the outstanding universal value and authenticity of the Angkor site, infringes upon the identity and soul of Khmer national culture, and reflects a serious breach of heritage ethics, she noted. The replica, located in Nang Rong district of Buriram province, is part of the Siha Nakhon project, which covers 320,000sq m, and is designed to replicate the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the iconic temple complex and national symbol of Cambodia. The project, which includes three large cone-shaped towers surrounded by structures in a variety of artistic styles, has sparked controversy due to its striking resemblance to the Unesco-listed Angkor Wat. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Bangkok Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thailand rejects Cambodia's Angkor Wat copy claim at Unesco meet
Thailand has strongly refuted Cambodia's claim that the design of Wat Phu Man Fah, a Buddhist temple in Buri Ram, is an unethical imitation of the famed Angkor Wat. A diplomatic row erupted during the fifth day of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held to review the conservation status of heritage sites across Asia-Pacific region Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, raised concerns during the session on Thursday. She claimed Thailand's Wat Phu Man Fah was a blatant and unethical copy of Angkor Wat, alleging that the temple undermines the site's Outstanding Universal Value and sets a dangerous precedent for other World Heritage Sites. She called on Unesco and its advisory bodies to formally investigate the matter. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, head of Thailand's delegation, firmly rejected the accusation. He expressed disappointment and surprise at the remarks made by the head of Cambodia's delegation. He asserted that the issue was inappropriately raised in the World Heritage forum dedicated to cultural preservation. He said the accusation was politically motivated. 'Thailand firmly believes that cultural heritage should foster mutual understanding and cooperation — not division," said Mr Sihasak. He insisted that Wat Phu Man Fah is a Buddhist temple that was inspired by traditional Thai Buddhist architectural styles drawn from many historic sites across Thailand, and was not a replica of Angkor Wat as alleged. He said Thailand is open to bilateral discussions with Cambodia on the matter, in line with the commitment of both countries' leaders to strengthen neighbourly relations. A joint working group has already been proposed by both governments to address this issue, he added. According to Thai officials, the Thai delegation acknowledged reports that Cambodia had attempted to lobby other member states and push the issue within Unesco and the World Heritage Committee, but failed to garner support. Most committee members viewed the matter as more appropriate for bilateral discussion than international debate.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodia ready to fund transport of 20 antiquities from Thailand
BANGKOK: The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has urged Thailand to respect the agreement to return 20 ancient antiquities, after Thailand's delay was attributed to budget constraints. According to a Khmer Times report on Monday (July 7), the ministry also called on Thai authorities to adhere to the previously agreed timeframe and terms of the repatriation. In a letter addressed to Thai Minister of Culture Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona confirmed that Cambodia will take responsibility for the transportation costs, in accordance with the agreement reached by both sides in April. 'I request the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand to proceed with the implementation of the agreement within the agreed timeframe in order to avoid any further delays. The Cambodian side will assume full responsibility for all costs associated with this transportation,' she stated. In 2000, Thai authorities seized 43 Cambodian antiquities illegally imported from Singapore. Over the years, 23 items were returned to Cambodia following Cabinet approvals in 2009 and 2015. The remaining 20 antiquities were under review due to unclear origins. After the Cambodian government submitted documentary evidence of ownership, Thailand's Fine Arts Department verified the artifacts as being of Cambodian origin. In 2024, the Thai Cabinet, under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, approved the repatriation. Nation TV reported the Fine Arts Department's statement on April 25, which confirmed that the cultural ministries of both countries had coordinated the logistics for the handover. This will involve a land transfer via Siem Reap, expected to take place around July 2025. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Cambodia ready to pay cost of returning artefacts from Thailand
Cambodia is willing to cover the cost of returning 20 antiquities from Thailand, Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona has said. The Cambodian minister said in a letter to her new Thai counterpart, Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, that Cambodia would finance the transport of the artefacts. There was no need to wait for Thailand to do it, the Khmer Times reported on Monday, citing information from Agence Kampuchea Press. Ms Paetongtarn, who was suspended from the premiership last week, on Friday put the brakes on the return of the items, citing budget constraints. It was her first decision on taking over at the Culture Ministry, amid continued strained ties between the two neighbours. "Given the current situation between Thailand and Cambodia, the Culture Ministry recommends a further review," she said. The Cambodian minister wants Thailand to abide by the agreement made by the two countries last year to hand over the artefacts to Cambodia. The two countries had planned a handing over ceremony for the 20 artefacts this month, with the transporting process to start in August. That is now on indefinite hold.
