Montage shows Angkor Wat (top) and the Wat Phu Man Fah (bottom) in Thailand. Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts
Synopsis: Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona says Thailand’s imitation of Cambodian landmark undermines integrity, authenticity, and outstanding universal value of original site.
Culture and Fine Arts Minister Phoeurng Sackona has asked UNESCO to review the construction of a Thai temple in Buriram province modelled after Angkor Wat, stating that the replica poses a threat to all world heritage sites while violating the integrity of the Khmer heritage landmark.
The appeal was made at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France, on Thursday.
The Thai delegation expressed disappointment in Cambodia’s remarks.
At the meeting, Sackona thanked the World Heritage Committee for its commitment to protecting world heritage sites, especially Angkor Wat, which has been on the World Heritage List since 1992 and serves as a symbol of Cambodia.
She raised Cambodia’s concerns over the construction of Wat Phu Man Fah in Buriram province, Thailand—a large-scale replica of Angkor Wat—built without consultation with Cambodia or regard for its cultural values. She said the construction compromises the integrity, authenticity, and outstanding universal value (OUV) of the Angkor site.
“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. It seriously undermines the integrity, authenticity, and Outstanding Universal Value of this iconic site,” she said.
“Despite Cambodia’s efforts, construction continues. Such a situation risks setting a deeply troubling precedent for all World Heritage sites.
She called on UNESCO and its advisory bodies to examine the issue.
In response, Thailand’s head of delegation, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said cultural heritage should unite rather than divide. He expressed surprise and disappointment at Cambodia’s claims, stating that the World Heritage platform was not the appropriate venue for such disputes.
At the 40th Technical Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Development of the Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk Historical Sites held last month in Siem Reap, Sackona had also raised concerns over Thailand’s alleged violation of Cambodian cultural identity by replicating the Khmer Angkor Wat temple design in the construction of Wat Phu Man Fah.
Wat Phu Man Fah, located in Buriram province, was constructed in 2021. On July 7, 2021, the Cambodian Culture and Fine Arts Ministry issued a press release based on clarification from the chief monk of the temple, who stated that the construction was not a replica and did not plagiarise the Angkor Wat design or any other ancient Cambodian temple. He maintained that the temple had its own blueprint inspired by local ancient temples.
Subsequently, on September 26, 2023, Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued another notice stating that an expert team had been monitoring the construction through diplomatic efforts and field inspections. During a site visit, experts noted that the temple at Wat Phu Man Fah had not yet been constructed.
