Phnom penh: His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, has extended heartfelt congratulations on the 17th anniversary of the Preah Vihear Temple's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an event marked on July 7, 2008. In a royal message, the King emphasized the importance of this recognition for the preservation and maintenance of the temple, highlighting its status as both a national treasure and a world heritage site situated within Cambodia's borders.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, His Majesty expressed his gratitude towards the late King-Father, "PREAH BOROM RATANAK KAUDH," for his lifelong dedication to preserving Cambodia's cultural heritage. The King also acknowledged the contributions of the Cambodian people and their leaders, notably Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo HUN SEN and his successor, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN MANET. He also recognized the participation of Samdech Vibol Panha Sok An in the conservation efforts.
The King noted that the inscription of the Preah Vihear Temple has marked a significant milestone in Cambodia's history, symbolizing global recognition of the temple as a cultural and historical treasure and a profound legacy of Khmer ancestors meant for future generations. His Majesty extended his thanks and support to the National Authority for Preah Vihear and the International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Preah Vihear Temple (ICC/PREAH VIHEAR). The committee's ongoing maintenance efforts are led by co-chairs from the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China, alongside other cooperating partners.
Preah Vihear Temple, located atop the Dangrek mountain range in Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, resembles a ship on the ocean and offers a breathtaking landscape. The temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List during UNESCO's 32nd session in Quebec, Canada, on July 7, 2008. Cambodia has successfully registered several other sites and cultural elements on the World Heritage List, including the Angkor Archaeological Site, Preah Reach Troap Dance, and others, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.