KhmerTimes-July 15, 2026
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has asserted that Khnar Temple is an ancient Khmer monument belonging to Cambodia, citing historical records, architectural evidence and its inclusion in the national heritage inventory. Ministry spokesman Sum Map said Khnar Temple was part of the Angkorian-era Khmer civilization, which established religious sites across the empire and along the Dangrek Mountains. His comments follow reports that Thailand has registered Khnar Temple as a domestic cultural heritage site amid a Thai military occupation.
“Ancient monuments can be found throughout the Khmer Empire,” Map said. “Present-day Cambodia is the direct continuation of that glorious Angkorian civilisation, inheriting its language, culture and civilization.” Map said the temple in Oddar Meanchey province was constructed in the late 10th century during the reign of King Jayavarman IV, reflecting the Koh Ker architectural style. The Hindu temple is listed in Cambodia’s National Heritage Inventory under code MCFA 22110 1160. While much of the temple has deteriorated, structural foundations, enclosure walls and two ancient reservoirs remain. Map noted that local communities have traditionally used the site for worship and that provincial culture officials conduct regular maintenance and archaeological surveys. He highlighted a Cambodian-funded conservation project in 2017 that built a 325-metre wooden staircase to facilitate site access.“Unfortunately part of that wooden staircase was reportedly burnt by Thai soldiers, destroying the upper section,” Map said. “When the border clashes occurred, there was a movement encouraging the Thai military to seize the temple. As a result, the temple is now under the control of the Thai military through the use of force,” he said. Read more at:
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501943165/history-records-prove-khnar-temples-khmer-roots/#google_vignette
