PARIS — A diplomatic row erupted at the World Heritage Committee meeting on July 10 when Cambodia’s Culture Minister accused Thailand of unethically copying Angkor Wat’s design in its Wat Phu Manfa temple.
Cambodia’s Culture Minister Pheung Sakuna told the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee that Thailand’s temple “shamelessly imitates” Angkor Wat, damaging the World Heritage site’s universal value. She called for UNESCO to investigate the alleged copying.
Thailand’s head delegate Seehasak Phuangketkaew firmly rejected the accusation, calling it politically motivated and inappropriate for the World Heritage forum. He explained that Wat Phu Man Fah is Buddhist architecture inspired by various Thai historical sites, not a copy of Cambodia’s famous temple complex.
“Cultural heritage should bring people together, not divide them,” Seehasak said, expressing surprise and disappointment at Cambodia’s claims.
The Thai representative noted that Cambodia had unsuccessfully lobbied other countries on the issue, with most viewing it as a bilateral matter rather than a UNESCO concern. Cambodia was later denied permission to make additional statements for not following proper procedures.
Both countries’ leaders had previously agreed to form a joint working group to address cultural disputes between the neighboring nations.
The spat highlights ongoing tensions over shared cultural heritage between the Southeast Asian neighbors, with Cambodia immediately posting about the accusation on social media after the meeting.
About Wat Phu Manfa
Wat Phra Phutthabat Sila, also known as Wat Phu Man Fah, under the Mahanikaya sect, began construction as a monk’s residence in 1998 at Ban Nong Bua Rai, Village No. 7, Ban Singh Sub-district, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province. The construction was led by Phra Ajarn Somsak Samvarajitto, also known as Luang Pho Daeng, who served as the head of the monk’s residence at that time.
The temple was built on a 15-rai (5.93 acres) plot of land donated by Mr. Pramoon Rattanachan, a devout Buddhist who offered the land for temple construction. Monks, novices, nuns, and lay practitioners worked together to build various structures for monastic use. The temple grounds have continuously hosted training activities for schools, local administrative organizations, and various government agencies.
The temple was officially established on May 31, 2021.
The distinctive architectural feature aims to recreate the Singha Nakhon or Lion Kingdom, demonstrating the ancient stone castle construction techniques of the past and present times. The construction style emerged from the imagination of Luang Pho Daeng.
Peerawat Chantasit, spokesperson for Wat Phu Man Fah, said the temple had previously been accused by Cambodia. However, based on studies of the temple’s construction data, there was no copying of Angkor Wat’s design. The entire construction represents the wisdom of Thai people and monks in Thailand, modeled after Phanom Rung Stone Castle in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, and Phimai Stone Castle in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
“Cambodia’s claims may be inaccurate due to being overwhelmed by problems, making it difficult for them to think clearly,” he said.
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