The Royal Thai Army emphasized that Cambodia violated the Hague Convention by positioning soldiers and heavy weapons at Preah Vihear Temple, and noted Cambodia's attempts to distort UNESCO reports to portray itself as the victim.
At 04:59 on 22 Oct 2026, the fan pageRoyal Thai Armystated that Cambodia issued a statement on 21 Oct 2026 accusing the Thai military of attacking Preah Vihear Temple, violating international law, and citing UNESCO reports of damage to justify its position.
Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, rejected all such allegations and clarified the facts to expose Cambodia's distortion of information to the global community as follows.
1. Regarding violations of international law and the 1954 Hague Convention
The Royal Thai Army affirmed Thailand’s strict adherence to international law and the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflict. However, the Convention clearly states that if a heritage site is used for military purposes, the site temporarily loses legal protection.
Based on clear evidence, Cambodia intentionally violated international humanitarian law by converting Preah Vihear Temple into a military base, installing rocket launchers, artillery, ammunition depots, and anti-drone systems to attack Thai military forces and civilians. Thus, Cambodia caused the site to lose its protected status. Thailand’s actions were self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting only military threats. The Thai military used precision weapons and strictly avoids attacks on civilians or heritage sites.
2. Regarding UNESCO reports and damage to the temple
Cambodia’s citation of the WHC-ICOMOS draft report is merely an attempt to play the victim and distract global attention. The Royal Thai Army clarified that the damage to Preah Vihear’s integrity and outstanding universal value resulted from Cambodia using the World Heritage site as a human shield and military protection.
3. Regarding sincerity in conserving and restoring Preah Vihear Temple
Cambodia’s claim of prioritizing conservation is contradicted by its actions on site. Bringing military weapons and forces into the heritage area clearly shows Cambodia’s disregard for cultural heritage. If Cambodia were truly committed to preserving the temple for future generations, it would not establish military bases, weaponry, and ammunition depots within and around Preah Vihear Temple.
The Royal Thai Army calls on the international community, UNESCO, and the public to objectively consider the facts and urges Cambodia to cease using this cultural heritage site as a propaganda tool for political and diplomatic gain.
Information from the fan page Royal Thai Army