Unesco denies world heritage status for Preah Vihear

It’s possible that this is just more ridiculous propaganda from the Thai junta. But if it’s true, this is appalling.

The UN cultural watchdog has delayed a decision on whether to add the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple to the World Heritage list for another year, a Thai official said yesterday. [...]

The heritage committee preferred that Thailand and Cambodia apply together to register the site next year, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said.

Preah Vihear is a Cambodian temple on Cambodian soil, full stop. Just because Cambodia allows visitors to reach Preah Vihear from Thailand hardly gives the Thais any sort of negotiating rights over the temple’s future. If Unesco really has bowed to pressure from the Thai  junta, the organization has strayed dangerously far beyond its mandate.