45 Cambodian Staff Rescued After Being Trapped for 45 Hours on Preah Vihear Temple Amid Thai Military Bombardment
45 Cambodian Staff Rescued After Being Trapped for 45 Hours on Preah Vihear Temple Amid Thai Military Bombardment
Preah Vihear, July 26, 2025 — In a harrowing and heroic rescue operation, 45 staff members of the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) have been successfully evacuated after being trapped for 45 hours on the mountain of the sacred Preah Vihear Temple, following a brutal military assault by Thai armed forces.
The incident began at 9:00 a.m. on July 24, when Thai forces launched a heavy artillery and aerial bombing campaign, including F-16 airstrikes, targeting the temple and surrounding areas. The unexpected attack left dozens of Cambodian nationals—laborers, tourism agents, environmental workers, and security personnel—stranded in the line of fire.
Despite the perilous conditions, a meticulously coordinated nighttime rescue operation unfolded on July 25 at 10:00 p.m., as NAPV teams guided the trapped staff down the Ta Dy Cliff to Samdech Techo Eco Village. From there, they were transported to safety at the NAPV’s Koh Ker Temple headquarters, finally arriving at 6:00 a.m. on July 26, ending a tense 45-hour ordeal under threat of death.
The NAPV leadership publicly extended their deepest gratitude to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, for his decisive leadership and unwavering support during the crisis. Praise was also directed to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, local authorities, and all relevant institutions involved in ensuring the safety of the trapped personnel.
“This was not just a rescue mission—it was a statement of national resolve,” a senior NAPV official said. “Amid enemy aggression, Cambodia stood tall and protected its people.”
The incident adds further evidence of Thailand’s growing military hostility, as regional and international observers now turn their attention to the broader implications of these attacks on protected cultural heritage sites and civilian workers.
The NAPV confirmed that the information is being released in the interest of public awareness and transparency.
More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.
