Op-Ed by Khmer Circle:
"Thailand firmly believes that cultural heritage should foster mutual understanding and cooperation — not division." When it suits Thailand?
Thailand is currently violating Cambodian territorial sovereignty and integrity and has done so repeatedly since the end of colonial time using its unilaterally drawn map as basis for its claim and aggression. The ICJ 1962 case was brought on as a result of Thailand's blatant invasion and armed occupation of the temple ruins of Preah Vihear and vicinity. That landmark decision by the ICJ forced Thailand to give up its claim over the disputed area and the temple but not before Thailand left its parting gift and mark of its presence there by using elephants to level down several columns and structures of the temple that can be seen today by visitors.
This behaviour of the Thais - or their ruling elite - echoes what their ancestors have dished out to the Khmers partly out of a sense of racial prejudice and resentment against their Khmer neighbours but also out of subconscious inferiority complex and denial that maybe historically engendered in a people's psychology over the centuries as a result of having lived under the shadow of the Khmers' imperial rule and their cultural dominance. This strong hatred and prejudice manifesting in acts of casual violence and savagery on the part of Thai authorities [from the dinner lady to the uneducated soldier at the border] can still be witnessed today against innocent Khmers caught crossing the border illegally in search of work or other opportunities or in the ill-treatments of Cambodian refugees in the 1980s; something that even drew concern and intervention from the UN. To ‘the Thais’, in this respect at least, their Khmer neighbours are inferior humans and are thus to be despised and mistreated at will.
This is what is really meant by 'mutual understanding and co-operation'!
PUBLISHED : 11 Jul 2025 at 13:31
WRITER: Online Reporters
Thailand has strongly refuted Cambodia’s claim that the design of Wat Phu Man Fah, a Buddhist temple in Buri Ram, is an unethical imitation of the famed Angkor Wat.
A diplomatic row erupted during the fifth day of the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee, held to review the conservation status of heritage sites across Asia-Pacific region
Cambodia's Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, raised concerns during the session on Thursday. She claimed Thailand’s Wat Phu Man Fah was a blatant and unethical copy of Angkor Wat, alleging that the temple undermines the site's Outstanding Universal Value and sets a dangerous precedent for other World Heritage Sites.
She called on Unesco and its advisory bodies to formally investigate the matter.
Sihasak Phuangketkeow, head of Thailand’s delegation, firmly rejected the accusation. He expressed disappointment and surprise at the remarks made by the head of Cambodia’s delegation.
He asserted that the issue was inappropriately raised in the World Heritage forum dedicated to cultural preservation. He said the accusation was politically motivated.
“Thailand firmly believes that cultural heritage should foster mutual understanding and cooperation — not division," said Mr Sihasak.
He insisted that Wat Phu Man Fah is a Buddhist temple that was inspired by traditional Thai Buddhist architectural styles drawn from many historic sites across Thailand, and was not a replica of Angkor Wat as alleged.
He said Thailand is open to bilateral discussions with Cambodia on the matter, in line with the commitment of both countries’ leaders to strengthen neighbourly relations. A joint working group has already been proposed by both governments to address this issue, he added.
According to Thai officials, the Thai delegation acknowledged reports that Cambodia had attempted to lobby other member states and push the issue within Unesco and the World Heritage Committee, but failed to garner support. Most committee members viewed the matter as more appropriate for bilateral discussion than international debate.
Following Ms Sackona’s statement, Cambodian officials promptly posted their claims on their official Facebook page.
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