Thailand – Cambodia border clash: Are they fighting over a Hindu temple? The reality of Preah Vihear complex

The Preah Vihear Temple, perched on a cliff along the Thailand-Cambodia border, has sparked deadly clashes between the two nations, with at least 12 casualties reported. Though often labeled a Hindu temple, its identity is more complex. Originally built in the 9th century as a shrine to Lord Shiva by Hindu Khmer kings, it evolved into a hybrid temple as later rulers embraced Buddhism. Architectural additions by kings like Suryavarman I and II preserved Hindu elements such as Shiva lingams and Ramayana carvings, while Buddhist rituals were introduced under Jayavarman VII. Today, the temple remains active, hosting Buddhist ceremonies while retaining its Hindu iconography. Its layered history reflects Cambodia’s syncretic religious culture and the Khmer Empire’s spiritual transitions. The temple’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 further intensified territorial tensions, making Preah Vihear not just a spiritual landmark but a geopolitical flashpoint.

Source : https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-cambodia-border-clash-over-hindu-shiva-temple-is-preah-vihear-a-hindu-buddhist-or-hybrid-temple-know-its-history-architecture-myth-1753420973867