TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, a battle broke out around Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin, Thailand, which is just a few hundred meters from the Cambodian border. This area has long been a center of tension. The dispute between the two countries stems from the French colonial legacy in the early 20th century. The map drawn by the colonial authorities placed the Preah Vihear Temple in Cambodian territory, specifically in Dangrek, a mountainous border area between the two conflicting countries.
Thailand considers the area to be part of its territory. This dispute was eventually brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1959.
In 1962, the ICJ ruled that the temple indeed belongs to Cambodia. Although the ruling was intended to end the conflict, the border issue remains disputed, as reported by Antara.
Legacy of the Khmer Empire
The Preah Vihear Temple was built gradually from the 9th to the 12th century, during the heyday of the Khmer Empire centered in Angkor. This temple is a place of worship for the Hindu god Shiva. Preah Vihear is situated 525 meters above sea level, near cliffs. From this location, visitors can enjoy a wide view of the Cambodian lowlands.
Preah Vihear is made up of several sacred sites that are connected by an 800-meter-long pathway. Along this path, there are five main gates with carvings depicting Hindu mythological stories, including the tales of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. UNESCO considers this temple to be one of the finest examples of Khmer art and architecture because of its unique layout, intricate carvings, and integration with the natural surroundings, according to the UNESCO website.
Preah Vihear was a center for spiritual activities and pilgrimage during the Khmer Empire. The long procession route symbolizes the journey towards holiness. The ornamentation on each gate symbolizes the stages toward the sacred space.
The structures of the Preah Vihear Temple are well-preserved, with important elements such as stone staircases, sacred courtyards, and main chambers made with precise details and interconnected. The stone construction techniques used at that time are still clearly visible today. This is what makes Preah Vihear considered to have exceptional value, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.
Border Dispute
Located at the border, the Preah Vihear Temple has become a point of contention. In 1962, the ICJ ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but the surrounding area remains disputed. Tensions escalated when UNESCO designated Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site in 2008. Thailand viewed this decision as triggering unilateral claims by Cambodia, resulting in armed clashes in the border area.
This temple symbolizes the glory of the Khmer Empire and the national pride of Cambodia. UNESCO has called for this site to be treated as a shared heritage and kept away from prolonged political disputes. If managed jointly, this temple would not only be a historical and cultural tourism destination, but also a symbol of peace between Thailand and Cambodia.
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