Historic site: Preah Vinear has UNESCO World Heritage status |
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.
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