The National Authority of Preah Vihear (NAPV) announced on 26/7 that all 45 people trapped at the temple were safely evacuated down the Ta Dy cliff to the Samdech Techo eco-village on the evening of 25/7.
The group, which included workers, tourists, cleaners, and security personnel, were carrying out their normal duties at Preah Vihear, a popular tourist site near the disputed border area between Cambodia and Thailand, when clashes between the two countries' armies broke out on the morning of 24/7.
Fighting began at the Ta Moan Thom temple and later spread to Preah Vihear, with both sides using heavy weapons. The 45 Cambodian staff, some accompanied by small children, were trapped inside the ancient temple perched atop the Dangrek Mountains.
According to the NAPV, they were unable to leave the temple due to Thai F-16 fighter jets and artillery fire targeting nearby areas. Under the cover of darkness, the NAPV launched a rescue operation at 10 PM on 25/7, guiding the trapped individuals down the cliff face to safety.
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NAPV staff trapped at Preah Vihear temple. Photo: NAPF |
NAPV staff trapped at Preah Vihear temple. Photo: NAPF
NAPV vehicles were waiting at Samdech Techo to transport them to the authority’s headquarters at Koh Ker temple at 6 AM, after they had spent 45 hours trapped on the mountain.
The 1,000-year-old Preah Vihear temple has been a focal point of border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand since 1907. From 2008 to 2011, clashes erupted several times along the border near Preah Vihear and other disputed areas such as Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples.
Thailand's Nation reported that after the conflict erupted, their military had seized control of Preah Vihear and Ta Krabey temples. However, Cambodia's deputy defense ministry spokesperson, Mao Sophy Chetra, refuted this claim, asserting that both temples remained under Cambodian control.
Thailand reported 20 casualties, including 14 civilians and six soldiers, with dozens injured. Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense reported 13 deaths and at least 71 injuries.
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Location of the Dangrek Mountains and disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA |
Location of the Dangrek Mountains and disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: CNA
Following a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 25/7 regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, Cambodian ambassador Chhea Keo called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as well as a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Despite the call for a ceasefire, fighting resumed on the morning of 26/7 at new locations in Thailand's Trat province, which borders Cambodia's Pursat province.
Hong Hanh (Khmer Times/AFP)
