PM Congratulates 13th Anniversary Of Preah Vihear Temple’s Listing As World Heritage

Thong Sotha On July 7, 2021 - 10:44 am In Cambodia Insider

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Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has extended his congratulations on the 13th anniversary of the inscription of Preah Vihear Temple on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“Today marks the 13th anniversary of the listing of the ‘Temple of Preah Vihear’ as a World Heritage Site (July 7, 2008-July 7, 2021). The event, which took place on July 7, 2008, is considered a new historical event since Cambodia won the case over Thailand at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on June 15, 1962,” wrote Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his official Facebook page this morning.

The Premier also called on his compatriots to take part in preserving all the ancient temples throughout the country for the benefit of all generations of Cambodians.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Samdech Techo Prime Minister underlined that preserving and protecting the national heritage are the duty of each Cambodian.

The Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia’s sacred temple on the Dangrek Mountains, was inscribed on the World Heritage List at the 32nd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on July 7, 2008 in Quebec, Canada.

According to UNESCO, Preah Vihear is a temple dedicated to Shiva. The Temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis and dates back to the first half of the 11th century AD. Nevertheless, its complex history can be traced to the 9th century, when the hermitage was founded. This site is particularly well preserved, mainly due to its remote location. The site is exceptional for the quality of its architecture, which is adapted to the natural environment and the religious function of the temple, as well as for the exceptional quality of its carved stone ornamentation.

Preah Vihear is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It is very ‘pure’ both in plan and in the detail of its decoration.