Cambodia Is the 'Custodian' of Khmer Civilisation, Information Minister Says

In a social media post on Tuesday, the Minister of Information framed Cambodia as custodian of Khmer culture, a role he distinguished explicitly from mere pride in the country's heritage.

Traditional Khmer musical instruments and portraits of young musicians, an early photographic plate

A Responsibility, Not Just a Source of Pride

H.E. Neth Pheaktra argued that Cambodia is not simply a land of ancient temples and rich heritage, but the birthplace of a culture and civilisation built, sustained and preserved across centuries of history. Being its 'custodian', he said, is not a claim of ownership: the Khmer people are inheritors of a legacy passed down by their ancestors, tasked with preserving, protecting, developing and transmitting it to future generations.

An Identity Woven Into Daily Life

The Minister located this identity in language, literature, religion, art, architecture, music, dance, customs and everyday ways of life. He pointed to Angkor, Preah Vihear Temple, Sambor Prei Kuk, and the ancient monuments and inscriptions scattered across the country as tangible evidence — proof of their builders' achievements in architecture, engineering, water management, astronomy, the arts and social organisation.

A Living Heritage, Not a Silent One

This civilisation is not confined to stone temples, H.E. Neth Pheaktra stressed: it continues through the Khmer language and script, the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, Lakhon Khol, Chapei Dang Veng, Kun Lbokator, oral traditions, and the religious and cultural ceremonies still woven into Cambodian daily life. He described Khmer culture as a living heritage, passed from one generation to the next, rather than one left to sit silently in museums.

Youth and the Digital Question

The Minister noted that custodianship carries responsibility, and called for reflection on how well Cambodian youth understand their own history, language, arts and cultural values. He also urged wider use of digital tools to tell the story of Cambodia's heritage, rather than leaving that story to be told by others.

"Cambodia is the custodian of Khmer culture and civilisation because this is the legacy created and passed down by our ancestors."  — H.E. Neth Pheaktra

"Khmer culture is the soul of the nation. Khmer civilisation is a testimony to history. Protecting and promoting it means protecting Cambodia's identity and its future."  — H.E. Neth Pheaktra