Phnom penh: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Cambodia has firmly denied allegations from Thai authorities that suggest Cambodia has utilized ancient temple sites for military purposes. These claims have been dismissed as unfounded efforts to distort facts and shift responsibility for damage to cultural heritage.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ministry's statement, issued on September 15, refutes statements made by Mr. Prapas Sonjaidee, Director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Centre, and Mr. Phanombut Chantharachote, Director-General of the Thai Fine Arts Department. The Ministry criticized these assertions as deliberate misinformation that could mislead the public, emphasizing Cambodia's commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage in compliance with international conventions.
The Ministry reiterated Cambodia's dedication to protecting and preserving its cultural sites, highlighting that no heritage site in the country has ever been used as a military base. In contrast, the Ministry accused Thailand of acts of aggression that have led to the destruction of sites such as the Temple of Preah Vihear and other historical locations. Cambodia also pointed out that some sites remain under illegal Thai occupation, with unauthorized restoration efforts and infrastructure development being undertaken.
The Ministry condemned the Thai military's attacks on the Temple of Preah Vihear, which caused significant damage and forced thousands of people to evacuate. These incidents have been documented by national and international cultural experts, underscoring the temple's status as a World Heritage property and its importance to the Cambodian people.
Cambodia has called for the withdrawal of Thai forces from the occupied sites and the return of archaeological objects removed from the K'nar Temple. The Ministry urged Thailand to respect international law and resolve disputes through peaceful bilateral mechanisms.
In conclusion, Cambodia reaffirmed its stance that its cultural heritage sites are not military bases and should remain protected for future generations. The Ministry condemned any acts that lead to the destruction of these sites, stressing their importance as part of the shared heritage of humanity.