On January 12, 2026, Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts officially submitted extensive damage assessment reports to UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee following targeted military attacks on the Sacred Site of the Temple of Preah Vihear. The reports detail two waves of destruction—occurring in July and December 2025—that utilized heavy artillery and aerial bombardment. Beyond the irreversible loss of ancient Khmer architecture, the conflict has completely decimated decade-long restoration projects funded by the United States, India, and China, prompting an urgent international call for heritage protection and legal accountability.
1. Timeline of Destruction: July vs. December 2025
The Ministry’s report categorizes the damage into two distinct periods of aggression, with the latter half of the year proving significantly more catastrophic.
- July 24–28, 2025: 142 locations within the temple complex and 42 surrounding sites were hit. This period saw the forced displacement of 14,832 residents as schools and pagodas were targeted.
- December 7–27, 2025: A massive escalation involving fighter aircraft and UAVs (drones). Assessments from December 28 show that almost all major structures—from Gopura I to Gopura V—sustained severe damage. Many connecting causeways and the northern staircase have lost their original form entirely.
2. International Conservation Projects Decimated
The conflict has not only damaged history but also erased years of international cooperation and millions of dollars in investment.
| Project & Partner | Damage Sustained |
| Northern Staircase (USA) | Both original and restored sections (from the last 10 years) are severely damaged; all equipment was destroyed. |
| Gopura V (India) | Extensive structural damage; conservation facilities and technical equipment are completely lost. |
| Gopura I, II, & III (China) | Extreme damage; structures have “lost their original form,” rendering all previous restoration studies obsolete. |
3. A Violation of International Law
The Cambodian government has officially called on the international community to hold the perpetrators accountable under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The use of modern aerial bombardment against a World Heritage site is being framed as a direct assault on the “outstanding universal value” of human heritage.
A Cultural Crisis
For Cambodia, Preah Vihear is more than a temple; it is a symbol of national identity and sovereignty. The destruction of these sites—especially those under active restoration by global powers like the U.S. and China—creates a complex diplomatic crisis. For our readers, this is a reminder that the preservation of peace is inextricably linked to the preservation of history. The National Authority for Preah Vihear is now faced with the monumental task of starting restoration from “ground zero.”
Recommended Reading
- Cambodia’s Border Recovery: Support for Displaced Families – Learn about the humanitarian efforts for the 14,000+ people displaced by these specific attacks.
- Retiring in Cambodia as an American: The 2026 Guide – A look at how national stability impacts the expat and retiree community.