International conservation experts have inspected emergency stabilisation and conservation work at Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple, reviewing measures to protect damaged structures and prevent further deterioration following armed clashes in 2025.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Site | Preah Vihear Temple |
| Location | Cambodia |
| Conservation body involved | International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear |
| Main inspection area | Peuy Ta Di through Gopura I to Gopura V |
| Main focus | Emergency conservation, drainage and structural stabilisation |
| Earlier mission | Joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission, March 2026 |
| Damage documented from July 2025 attacks | 142 areas |
| Additional damage documented after December fighting | 420 areas |
| Other site inspected | Koh Ker |
| Koh Ker inspection date | September 27, 2026 |
| Koh Ker focus | Conservation, development and tourist routes |
International experts have assessed ongoing conservation and stabilisation efforts at Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple, focusing on areas damaged during armed clashes with Thai forces in 2025.
A delegation from the International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear) visited the UNESCO World Heritage site to review the progress of emergency conservation work and identify areas requiring additional protection.
The inspection covered the section from Peuy Ta Di through Gopura I to Gopura V, where extensive damage was reported during the conflict.
Experts Review Drainage and Structural Stabilisation
One of the key areas examined was a proposed drainage system intended to divert water away from the temple complex.
Effective water management is an important component of conservation because uncontrolled water infiltration can contribute to deterioration of archaeological structures, particularly at sites where damaged masonry may already be structurally vulnerable.
The international experts also reviewed areas considered to be at higher risk.
These included locations where technicians from the Preah Vihear National Authority had installed temporary or permanent support structures, as well as other sections identified as requiring additional stabilisation.
The delegation provided recommendations aimed at strengthening protection measures and supporting the continued conservation of the temple complex.
Damage Assessment Follows 2026 UNESCO-ICOMOS Mission
The latest inspection follows a joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission in March 2026, which documented extensive damage associated with the 2025 fighting.
According to the supplied report, the mission recorded:
| Damage assessment | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Damaged areas linked to attacks in July 2025 | 142 |
| Additional damaged areas after fighting in December 2025 | 420 |
| Total areas documented across the two assessments | 562 |
The UNESCO-ICOMOS mission described the scale of destruction as “unprecedented” and warned that the temple's Outstanding Universal Value was under threat.
The mission also reported that “no area was spared,” highlighting the broad geographic extent of the damage across the archaeological complex.
Cambodian authorities have attributed the damage to Thai bombardment and artillery fire. However, responsibility for individual incidents is based on assessment reports, and specific attribution should be understood in that context.
Protecting Preah Vihear's Outstanding Universal Value
Preah Vihear is one of Cambodia's most significant archaeological and cultural sites, and conservation efforts must address both immediate structural risks and the longer-term preservation of its heritage value.
The ICC-Preah Vihear inspection therefore focused not only on already damaged structures but also on measures intended to prevent additional deterioration.
The review of drainage plans is particularly relevant because rainfall and water movement can create additional pressure on vulnerable structures.
Similarly, the assessment of installed support structures and other high-risk areas provides a basis for determining where further intervention may be necessary.
The continuing inspections demonstrate the importance of international technical expertise alongside Cambodia's national conservation authorities in protecting the temple complex.
Experts Also Assess Koh Ker Conservation Work
The ICC-Preah Vihear delegation also visited the Koh Ker temple complex on September 27 to assess conservation and development work.
The inspection included several structures within the archaeological site, including:
Khnar
Kok Krong
Krachab
Southern Ballang
The Red Temple
Prasat Pram
Experts also reviewed proposed tourist routes around the Koh Ker complex.
The planning aims to balance improved visitor access with the need to protect archaeological structures and sensitive areas from potential impacts associated with tourism.
Conservation and Tourism Must Move Together
Cambodia's major temple complexes face a dual challenge: preserving fragile archaeological structures while allowing visitors to experience the country's cultural heritage.
At sites such as Preah Vihear and Koh Ker, conservation planning therefore extends beyond individual monuments.
Drainage, structural stabilisation, visitor routes and site management all form part of a broader approach to protecting archaeological assets while maintaining appropriate public access.
For Preah Vihear in particular, the latest inspection comes as conservation authorities continue addressing damage identified after the 2025 conflict.
Angkor Times Analysis
The latest assessment highlights that the conservation challenge at Preah Vihear extends beyond repairing visibly damaged structures.
The reported 562 damaged areas documented through the March 2026 UNESCO-ICOMOS assessment provide an indication of the scale of the conservation task described in the source.
Three priorities stand out.
First, stabilisation is an immediate requirement. Areas already supported by conservation technicians and other high-risk sections need continued technical assessment to determine whether additional intervention is required.
Second, water management is critical. The proposed drainage system indicates that conservation planning is addressing not only existing damage but also environmental factors that could accelerate deterioration.
Third, conservation and visitor management need to be coordinated. The ICC-Preah Vihear delegation's parallel review of tourist routes at Koh Ker shows how Cambodia's heritage sites must balance accessibility with long-term preservation.
The broader objective is to ensure that Cambodia's archaeological heritage remains structurally protected and accessible for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did international experts inspect at Preah Vihear?
The ICC-Preah Vihear delegation inspected emergency conservation and stabilisation work, including areas from Peuy Ta Di through Gopura I to Gopura V.
Why is a drainage system being considered?
The proposed drainage system is intended to divert water away from the temple and reduce the risk of further deterioration of already vulnerable structures.
How much damage was documented at Preah Vihear?
A joint UNESCO-ICOMOS mission in March 2026 documented 142 damaged areas associated with the July 2025 attacks and another 420 areas following fighting in December, according to the supplied report.
What did the UNESCO-ICOMOS mission say about the damage?
The mission described the destruction as “unprecedented” and warned that Preah Vihear's Outstanding Universal Value was under threat.
Did experts also inspect another Cambodian temple site?
Yes. The ICC-Preah Vihear delegation visited the Koh Ker temple complex on September 27 to assess conservation and development work and review proposed tourist routes.
Why are tourist routes part of conservation planning?
Tourist routes can help manage visitor movement around archaeological sites, allowing public access while reducing potential pressure on sensitive structures and areas.