Architectural Controversy over Thai Tribute to Angkor Wat

[reader]

From Pattaya News

By Adam Judd

In Buriram province the construction of a temple complex at Wat Phu Man Fah is enkindling a subtle, yet potent diplomatic controversy with neighboring Cambodia. Accusations that the temple seeks to replicate the revered Angkor Wat have placed both nations on a cautious path, seeking to preserve their cultural heritage and bilateral relations.

Since 2021, the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts says it has been monitoring the construction activities at Wat Phu Man Fah, following concerns and appeals from its citizens over the potential architectural imitation of Angkor Wat, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and is emblematic of Cambodia’s national identity. The issues were prominently highlighted and mobilized through social media campaigns such as #SaveAngkorWat, embodying genuine apprehension for national heritage preservation.

Addressing these concerns, the Cambodian culture ministry conducted several actions, predominantly involving diplomatic discussions with the Thai authorities, to navigate this sensitive matter judiciously. Cambodian officials have expressed a steadfast commitment to preserving their ancestral heritage and utilizing all viable means to confront and resolve this issue. This approach encompasses “diplomatic engagement, technical verifications, direct site inspections, and adherence to both national and international legal frameworks,” as stated in the ministry’s communication.

Inspecting and negotiating with a sturdy stance against any attempts to mimic Cambodia’s national symbols, experts were dispatched to the Wat Phu Man Fah site, revealing that no additional construction had occurred since the initial discovery of the issue.

Sum Mab, a ministry spokesperson, underlined that an astute and methodical approach, coupling vigilant monitoring and diplomatic engagements, has been the mainstay of their strategy since 2021. Despite requests, the architectural plans of the developing structure have not been provided by the Thai side, making detailed evaluations of the architectural semblance currently unfeasible.

From an academic perspective, history lecturer Sambo Manara acknowledges the impassioned reaction from Cambodians, particularly the youth, accentuating a heartfelt concern for national heritage. Nevertheless, Manara advocates for measured and considerate responses to eschew potential harm to diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Thailand. He notes that Angkor Wat replicas exist in various countries, including France, China, and Japan, and the current construction in Thailand does not yield a true replication of Angkor Wat, particularly since it is still in progress and lacking a comprehensive examination.

[unicorn]

This all seems kind of silly. A replica will never be Angkor Wat, nor will it ever be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maybe they'll make replicas of Machu Picchu or the Sphynx next. No one should care. 

[thaiophilus]

6 hours ago, unicorn said:

This all seems kind of silly. A replica will never be Angkor Wat, nor will it ever be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maybe they'll make replicas of Machu Picchu or the Sphynx next. No one should care. 

It's like the argument over whose territory Preah Vihear is in.

It's in the interest of the governments on both sides, because it gives them a pretext for some nationalistic sabre-rattling when they need to distract the population from something else they would prefer to hide.

[vinapu]

28 minutes ago, thaiophilus said:

It's like the argument over whose territory Preah Vihear is in.

It's in the interest of the governments on both sides, because it gives them a pretext for some nationalistic sabre-rattling when they need to distract the population from something else they would prefer to hide.

At least Preah Vihear issue is about territory of certain strategic importance ( mountain where temple is and view from the top with rest of Cambodia well below )