HinduACTion, a Hindu advocacy organization committed to promoting “civil liberties, public safety and religious freedom,” has appealed to the Cambodian and Thai Embassies in the United States to prioritize peace and heritage amid rising tensions near ancient Hindu temple sites.

In a letter dated July 25, 2025, the organization called on KOY Kuong, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, and Dr. Suriya Chindawongse, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Thailand, to advocate for de-escalation as conflict intensifies near revered Lord Shiva temple complexes, including Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear.

“We strongly urge the governments of Thailand and Cambodia to choose dialogue over destruction, heritage over hostility, and wisdom over warfare. By doing so, both nations can not only safeguard innocent lives but also uphold their sacred duty to preserve our enduring Dharmic legacy that continues to inspire billions around the world,” the letter stated.

The organization expressed deep concern over the recent escalation along the Thailand-Cambodia border, describing it as a grave threat to cultural and spiritual heritage. “These temples are not mere architectural relics; they are living embodiments of Dharma and represent the profound shared civilizational influence of Dharmic communities across Asia,” the letter emphasized.

The violence, marked by artillery fire, BM-21 rocket attacks, and airstrikes, has already resulted in numerous civilian casualties and displaced tens of thousands, including women and children. HinduACTion underscored the urgent need for restraint and a shift toward peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and irreversible damage to centuries-old monuments.

Citing similar tensions between 2008 and 2011, the letter noted that the root causes of the conflict extend beyond territorial disputes to competing narratives over cultural heritage. It argued that “colonial-era boundary distortions, conflicting legal interpretations, and selective readings” of International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings from 1962 and 2013 should not overshadow the broader spiritual significance of these temples.

“These monuments are part of the greater spiritual and civilizational legacy of all our Dharmic communities that transcend modern political borders,” the letter stated.

To resolve the crisis, HinduACTion proposed the following measures:

• Immediate ceasefire across all disputed zones, including a halt to drone activity, airstrikes, rocket fire, and troop movements;
• Renewed commitment to diplomacy through Joint Boundary Commission talks, bilateral dialogue, or multilateral mediation;
• Recognition of the sacred Dharmic identity and shared civilizational importance of the temples, with adherence to ICJ rulings and UNESCO guidelines;
• Preservation of temple complexes through demilitarization, landmine clearance, and humanitarian access for displaced civilians;
• Confidence-building measures, including mutual troop withdrawal, deployment of third-party observers, and phased de-escalation based on mutual trust and respect.

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