A Last and Horrible Note on Temples (from this Weeks News…)

We heard as we left the US (and we were very concerned) that there were border skirmishes between Thailand and Cambodia. Then in Cambodia, we learned that the clashes were over control of 3 UNESCO temples.

As we arrived, Thai F-16’s did this to a 9th century temple last week.

The depression in Cambodia is universal – one guide described it with tears in her eyes, like a loss of family. Destruction of Ancient Temples over religion, politics and ignorance (and in this case access to an oil port) continues in January of 2026.

A depressing way to close out our Siem Reap narrative and I’m sorry. Here’s some Cambodian beauty as a reset.