Credit: អាជ្ញាធរជាតិអប្សរា Apsara National Authority

SIEM REAP, Cambodia — Cambodia’s top cultural official has denounced the construction of a new temple in Thailand modeled after Angkor Wat, calling it a profound violation of Khmer cultural identity and international heritage obligations.

On Saturday 21 June, speaking at a press conference following the 40th technical meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambo Prei Kuk), Her Excellency Dr. Pheung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chair of the Apsara National Authority, criticized the replica project as a direct affront to Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Credit: អាជ្ញាធរជាតិអប្សរា Apsara National Authority

The project in question is the Siha Nakhon Temple, currently being built within Phu Man Fah Temple in Borei Rom Province, Thailand. According to Cambodian officials, the structure’s layout closely imitates that of Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic and globally significant archaeological site.
Dr. Sackona declared the act a clear violation of Thailand’s obligations as a State Party to the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which seeks to preserve the originality and universal value of designated heritage properties.

Replica of Angkor Wat Temple in Thailand by The Phnom Penh Post

"This construction project violates the outstanding universal value and uniqueness of the Angkor site. It also infringes upon the identity and soul of Khmer culture and represents a serious breach of heritage ethics," Dr. Pheung Sakona told reporters.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is widely regarded not only as a symbol of Cambodian national pride but also as one of the most important cultural landmarks in Southeast Asia.
International experts attending the meeting echoed the concerns. Professor Mounir Bouchenaki, a leading figure in global heritage conservation and advisor to the ICC-Angkor, underscored the gravity of the situation.

Real World Heritage, Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia by Guiding Cambodia

“Each heritage property holds a universal outstanding value that must not be underestimated or duplicated. Copying the layout of a heritage site disregards its unique cultural and historical significance,” Professor Bouchenaki said.

Real World Heritage, Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia by Hidden Architecture

Cambodia has not indicated whether it will formally lodge a complaint with UNESCO, but the public criticism marks one of the strongest official rebukes yet regarding the temple’s construction.
The Apsara National Authority, which manages the Angkor Archaeological Park, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of Angkor Wat and urged regional partners to uphold the principles of international cultural preservation.

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