Preah Vihear Temple

The Preah Vihear Temple is a historically and architecturally significant Hindu temple located in the Preah Vihear Province of northern Cambodia. It has become the focal point of a long-standing territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia that has lasted for over a century.

Location and Religious Significance:

• Location: The temple is perched atop a cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range, right on the Cambodia-Thailand border.

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and regeneration, making it an important religious site.

History and Construction:

• Built During the Khmer Empire: The Preah Vihear Temple was constructed during the golden period of the Khmer Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries.

• Kings Involved:

  • The temple's construction began under King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and was later expanded by King Suryavarman II (1113–1150), who is also known for building the famed Angkor Wat.

Architectural Features:

• Khmer Architecture Masterpiece: The temple is regarded as an outstanding example of Khmer architecture and engineering.

• Layout:

  • The temple is arranged along an 800-meter-long axis, with successive sanctuaries connected by pavements and staircases.

  • It features more than five successive gopuras (entrance towers), which are connected by a long path and topped with multi-tiered platforms.

  • These gopuras serve as the entry points into the temple, each with a small staircase and stone or wooden roofs (many of which are in ruins now).

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• UNESCO Recognition: Preah Vihear Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its historical and architectural significance.

Preah Vihear Temple Dispute:

The territorial dispute surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple is one of the most contentious issues between Thailand and Cambodia.

Key Points of the Dispute:

1. 1962 International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ruling:

   • The ICJ ruled that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia, but the surrounding land (especially a 4.6-square-kilometer area) remained disputed.

2. Escalation of Tensions in 2008:

   • In 2008, Cambodia successfully registered Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • This move was strongly objected to by Thai nationalists, triggering skirmishes and violent protests along the border.

   • The 2008-2011 border clashes led to at least 15 deaths.

3. 2013 ICJ Ruling:

   • The ICJ reasserted Cambodia's sovereignty over the surrounding land in 2013, reaffirming that the disputed 4.6 sq. km area also belonged to Cambodia. This ruling, however, continues to anger many in Thailand, where the territorial dispute remains sensitive.