PHNOM PENH — 22 October 2026, Cambodia has renewed its call for Thailand to return archaeological objects it says were removed from Prasat Khana and taken across the border.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts refers to the site as K’nar Temple and called for the objects’ return. The ministry also called on Thailand to respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means and established bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission.
The ministry’s statement also protested the presence of Thai forces and activities at Prasat Khana and other border temples, and rejected allegations that Cambodian forces had used cultural heritage sites for military purposes. Those are Cambodia’s claims; the border and the status of the sites remain disputed.
The demand comes as the site awaits restoration after fighting along the border. In June, Khmer writing was reported on a rock wall, and a wooden staircase that Thai military officials said had been partly destroyed during the clashes. At that time, officials said much of the site had been left untouched to preserve evidence of the conflict.
Matichon reported that the Fine Arts Department collected 28 objects from Prasat Khana for study and possible restoration. Matichon, citing a visit led by Thai military officials, identified the objects as including a Garuda figure and inscribed stones.
Khaosod separately reported that architectural fragments associated with the site were moved to a local temple in 1972 and examined by Thai Fine Arts Department officials in 2025. The report quoted Thai officials and local residents asserting that the site is in Thailand.