Cambodia Condemns Renewed Thai Military Strikes That Completely Destroy Ta Krabey Temple

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia has issued a condemnation statement following fresh attacks by the Thai military on Ta Krabey Temple, a sacred Cambodian cultural site. This renewed shelling, occurring just one day after the temple sustained severe damage during earlier assaults on Tuesday, has resulted in the total destruction of the temple’s visible structure and architectural integrity.

Despite prior urgent appeals from the Ministry to halt all military activity targeting cultural heritage, the latest offensive has reduced the 11th-century site to ruins.

A Loss of Historic Proportions Ta Krabey Temple, built during the reigns of Kings Suryavarman I and Udayadityavarman II, was situated in Phum Senmonorom 1, Kouk Khpous commune, Banteay Ampil district of Oddar Meanchey province. For generations, this site was carefully safeguarded by Cambodian cultural institutions and deeply venerated by local communities. Once preserved in a tranquil forested setting, the temple stood as a proud symbol of Khmer civilisation—until its devastation in what Cambodia describes as an act of deliberate destruction by the Thai military.

"Barbaric" Violation of International Law In its official statement, the Ministry condemned the attack as “immoral,” “barbaric,” and a “grave crime against heritage.” The Ministry stressed that this destruction constitutes a continued and flagrant violation of international cultural protection mechanisms; specifically, The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and The 1972 World Heritage Convention.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts calls upon the international community, partner nations, and global cultural organisations to join Cambodia in denouncing this attack. The Ministry urges global actors to pressure the Thai military to immediately halt all actions targeting cultural heritage and appeals for a renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue in accordance with the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

Alongside the Cambodian people, the Ministry expresses deep sorrow over the loss of Ta Krabey Temple. Although the physical structure now lies in ruins, the Ministry emphasises that its legacy endures as a symbol of Khmer identity and a stark reminder of the necessity to protect cultural heritage from conflict.

The Ministry has vowed to document this destruction as part of the permanent historical record and reaffirms its long-term commitment to safeguarding Cambodia's cultural heritage for future generations.