Phnom penh: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation recently hosted a diplomatic briefing focusing on the status of Cambodian cultural sites located along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The event saw participation from 44 heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Cambodia.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the briefing was conducted by H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts. During the meeting, she expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for their attendance and ongoing support in resolving border disputes peacefully between Cambodia and Thailand. She emphasized Cambodia's sovereign rights over specific cultural sites that have been under Thai military occupation since December 2025, including the Tamone Temple Complexes, Ta Krabey Temple, and Khnar Temple.

H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona also highlighted the extensive destruction at the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with damages to other significant cultural landmarks. She accused Thailand of unlawful assertions of sovereignty by engaging in activities such as religious ceremonies, unauthorized restoration, and listing these temple sites in Thailand's national heritage inventory.

The Minister pointed out that Thailand's actions, including visits by cabinet members and the erection of permanent structures like large Buddha statues, violate the ceasefire agreement of December 27, 2025. She stated that Cambodia has filed multiple diplomatic protests and remains committed to opposing such unilateral actions aimed at solidifying unfounded territorial claims.

Concluding the briefing, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona reiterated Cambodia's dedication to resolving these disputes through peaceful negotiations and adherence to international law and bilateral agreements. She stressed that maintaining peace between Cambodia and Thailand is crucial for the stability and progress of ASEAN and the broader region.