Cambodia repairs temple after border conflict damage
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Restoration specialists in Cambodia began a second phase of emergency repairs at the Preah Vihear Temple on October 19, following damage from shelling and airstrikes during last year’s border conflict with Thailand.
The UNESCO-listed temple sustained hundreds of impacts and over 80,000 stone fragments were scattered throughout the complex. This new phase focuses on 29 severely damaged locations across the temple’s five gopuras (gateways) and causeways.
Previously, experts from the Department of Conservation and Archaeology of the National Authority for Preah Vihear completed emergency work on 23 other damaged areas. The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts stated the repairs aim to prevent further collapse, protect the temple’s historical value, and ensure its stability for future restoration. The Cambodian Mine Action Centre reported Thai forces fired at least 1,599 rounds at the temple from 501 directions, and the authority documented 562 impact points.
In March, teams cleared approximately 70 hectares around the temple of unexploded ordnance, finding hundreds of craters and ordnance items.
