The Prime Minister of Cambodia, SamdechThipadei Hun Manet, on his official Facebook post, on Monday, July 7, 2025, sent a congratulatory message on the 17th anniversary of the inscription of Preah Vihear Temple on the World Heritage List (July 7, 2008 - July 7, 2025).

Preah Vihear Temple stretches out like a ship on the ocean, standing proudly on the mountain peak of Phnom Dangrek.

The temple was built in the Dangrek Mountains of Preah Vihear Province, northern Cambodia, dedicated to the mountain deities, “Sikhariswar and Bhadraswar”. The temple was built by Prince Indrayuth, the son of King Jayavarman II, who brought the Shivasingh and Srei Sikhariswar from Lingbori (Wat Phu) to be placed on Preah Vihear Mountain. The temple was built by eight Khmer ancestors, former kings.

The decision to include Cambodia’s treasure, “Preah Vihear Temple,” on the World Heritage List was made at the 32nd session in Quebec City, Canada. UNESCO’s decision is a great success for the Royal Government of Cambodia.

In order to enhance the value of national cultural heritage and protect national sovereignty, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, as the Prime Minister of Cambodia at that time, sent a letter to UNESCO in 2001 requesting the registration of Preah Vihear Temple as a World Heritage Site.

A year later, UNESCO responded positively in helping to prepare documents for the inclusion of Preah Vihear Temple as a World Heritage Site. In 2006, the World Heritage Committee agreed to accept Cambodia’s request and sent a team of experts to inspect the temple in 2007.

After a thorough study and evaluation, at its 32nd meeting in Quebec City, Canada, on July 7, 2008, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided to include the Preah Vihear Temple on the World Heritage List.

By Pheara