Paris: Cambodia has expressed serious concern over the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Wat Temple in Buriram province, Thailand, calling it a threat to cultural integrity and a violation of international heritage ethics. Speaking at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Paris on July 10, 2025, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, raised Cambodia’s objections to the ongoing project, which she said was carried out without prior consultation or consideration of ethical standards relating to Cambodian cultural heritage.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona stated in her intervention, “Today, we wish to express our deep concern regarding the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Wat Temple in Buriram province, Thailand. This project has been undertaken without any prior consultation or regard for the ethical principles related to our culture.” She warned that the replica seriously undermines the integrity, authenticity, and Outstanding Universal Value of this iconic site.
Despite Cambodia’s efforts, construction continues, said H.E. Minister, adding that such a situation risks setting a deeply troubling precedent for all World Heritage sites. H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona therefore requested UNESCO and its advisory bodies to examine this matter with the utmost attention. She also expressed Cambodia’s sincere appreciation for UNESCO’s continued commitment to the protection of World Heritage, in particular the Angkor Wat Temple, which has been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1992 and as an emblem of national identity.
The issue was previously raised during the 40th Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk), held on June 19-20, 2025 in Siem Reap province. On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona stressed that the replication of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple not only breaches the ethical standards of heritage conservation but also violates Thailand’s obligations as a State Party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (1112-1152 AD), Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a national symbol of Cambodia, featured prominently on the country’s flag, and remains the Kingdom’s most significant cultural and tourist landmark.