Celebrations marking the 18th anniversary of Preah Vihear Temple’s UNESCO World Heritage listing were held in Cambodia, but were shadowed by recent damage caused by Thai military shelling in December 2025. The June 5th ceremony, attended by Cambodian officials and UN representatives, focused on the themes of “Conservation, Destruction and Restoration.” While commemorating the temple’s cultural significance, the event acknowledged the physical scars inflicted upon the historic site. The damage serves as a stark reminder of past tensions between Cambodia and Thailand regarding the area surrounding the temple. Despite the grief over the destruction, the anniversary highlighted ongoing efforts to preserve and restore Preah Vihear for future generations. The event underscored the importance of international cooperation in protecting vulnerable heritage sites.