Thailand reaffirms heritage protection at Preah Vihear conservation meeting in Siem Reap

2026-03-25 - 09:01

Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural heritage protection and regional cooperation at an international meeting on the conservation of the Temple of Preah Vihear in Cambodia. On 19 March 2026, a Thai delegation took part in the 11th Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple of Preah Vihear (ICC-PV) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Narut Soontarodom, Consul-General in Siem Reap, told the meeting that Thailand remains committed to protecting cultural heritage and fulfilling its obligations under international frameworks, particularly the 1972 World Heritage Convention. He stressed that peace and stability are essential for safeguarding heritage sites and promoting cooperation and mutual understanding among all parties. Thailand, he said, is ready to work constructively through dialogue, mutual respect, and good neighbourly relations. Narut also expressed confidence in UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee to facilitate open and balanced discussions, and to consider all relevant information in a fair, impartial, and evidence-based manner. The ICC-PV, established by UNESCO’s Executive Board, meets annually to discuss conservation efforts at the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Koh Ker. This year’s meeting was co-chaired by China and India.