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| Historic site: Preah Vinear has UNESCO World Heritage status |
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| Remote: Preah Vinear is situated 1,500ft up on a plateau |
By Sarah Gordon
Daily Mail Online (UK)
An 11th-century Hindu temple, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been damaged in a border skirmish between Thai and Cambodian soldiers.
The Preah Vihear temple, which is under the management of Cambodia, is the focus of an ongoing border dispute between the two nations.
The historic landmark, called Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, has had chunks taken out of a column and a wall by artillery fire and a Buddha statue and inscription have also been damaged.
A trail of blood can reportedly be seen at one doorway where a Cambodian soldier was killed.
A total of 11 people have died in the dispute so far and although both governments have called a ceasefire, journalists on the Thai side say they have seen Cambodian tanks moving towards the border.
The two nations have clashed over the ownership of the classic Khmer temple, which looks over a 1,500ft drop from a plateau in the Dangrak mountains, since it was designated a UNESCO site in 2008.
Built to honour the Hindu god Shiva, Preah Vihear is said to be the most celebrated example of ancient Khmer architecture outside of Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
In 1962 the International Court of Justice awarded ownership of the temple to Cambodia, but a small section of land which is the only road approach to the site on the Cambodian side is still disputed.
UNESCO has said it plans to send a mission to inspect the Preah Vihear temple after reports of damage.
But a spokesperson for Thailand's foreign ministry said a visit would 'not be appropriate' as it may complicate matters.
He also reminded UNESCO that if it wishes to visit the temple it must seek the approval of Thailand to go through areas under its sovereignty.
The site is accessible on a day trip from Siem Reap and is described as an 'off the beaten track' temple which contrasts greatly with crowded Angkor Wat.
Writing about the temple on TripAdvivsor, travellers described Preah Vihear as 'magnificent' and 'incredible', with many saying it was the highlight of their Cambodia holiday.
6 comments:
"A total of 11 people have died in the dispute so far and although both governments have called a ceasefire, journalists on the Thai side say they have seen Cambodian tanks moving towards the border."
I think it should be journalists on Cambodian side saw Thai tanks. Because journalists are not allowed to be near the border on the thai side.
let's make it clear for the record, khmer kings built this temple, not siem, you know! how you argue with that? what the hell is siem thugs rankling about? let's get to the bottom line, here!
just because cambodia let them do it in the past, doesn't mean it belongs to them, really! it's calling stealing in case some of you did not understand, ok!
just because siem called khmer people "khamen" or whatever, does it make khmer people belong to them, too and so on! how illogical siem talking here! get lost already!
Preah Vihear was a
place where Khmer empire emperors acquired power from God Shiva.
When Khmer empire emperor sat and stood up tall,he could see his large kingdom in Southeast
Asia.
Thai damaged the world Heritage that
not belong to her.
Thailand must responsible and pay
to fix this harm.
The old day Khmer and India believed
in Brahma or God
Shiva.
The Indian people in India should
protest against
that destroyed other belief building.
Prasat Preah Vihear
belonged to Khmer since 1962 by the
intl court.
May God Shiva punish
Thai and pay the price to what she did.
Oh good idea the France Indochina make Grand Palace in Phnom Penh for their Khmer King. At that time they force Khmer to buit that compect building. That is true logic???
Khmer is not only one ethnic group in Khmer empire in Angkorian period. Multiculture inside that successful acient empire. That also Angkorian ear is the truth INVADER for many people in Sovarnaphumi region.
The spirits of khmer empire’s coming to fuck you (Siem)up. Your luckiness will end and your karma will follow your fucking head. It time to return what you have been swallowed from Khmer. Now Siem can rock in hell.
Khmer Victory
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