Politics Ta Muen Thom Temple Not a Disputed Site, Thai Fine Arts Department Reaffirms Sovereignty

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

The ancient temple of Prasat Ta Muen Thom is not a subject of territorial dispute, according to Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, which confirmed the site has been officially registered as a Thai historical monument for over 90 years.

 

A recent Facebook post by the popular historical page Borannaanmaareignited public interest in the temple, amidst resurfacing concerns over sovereignty. The post stated unequivocally: “Politicians may come and go, but the sovereignty of the Thai nation must endure steadfastly.”

 

According to official records, the Fine Arts Department surveyed and listed Prasat Ta Muen Thom as a Thai national monument in 1935 (B.E. 2478). The site currently falls under the supervision of the 5th Regional Office of Fine Arts in Prachinburi. Restoration efforts have long been conducted with full knowledge of Cambodian authorities.

 

Located on the Thai side of the border in Ban Nong Khan Na Samakkhi, Moo 8, Ban Ta Miang Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, the temple is the largest among the Ta Muen temple complex. “Thom” means “big” in Khmer, and the complex includes three main temples: Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot, and Ta Muen.

 

The temple sits atop a sacred natural rock formation symbolising a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam, and was historically used for religious rituals. It lies within the Ta Muen Pass (also known as Ta Miang Pass) in the Dângrêk mountain range.

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has even developed tour routes to facilitate visits by local and international tourists, highlighting the temple’s cultural significance and ease of access from within Thailand.

 

Despite recent reports that Cambodian troops were seen near the temple site, Thai officials argue such movements amount to a violation of Thai sovereignty. Commentators warn against creating unnecessary tension or allowing the situation to echo the previous Preah Vihear Temple dispute.

 

“It is not a disputed site. Do not try to turn it into one,” wrote historian Pruetthiphon Prachumphol. He emphasised that Cambodia has long been aware of the Thai administration of the area, and accused certain groups of intentionally stirring nationalist sentiment for political purposes.

 

The Thai military presence in the area remains firm, with armed forces maintaining position as part of their duty to protect national sovereignty.

 

The government is being urged to handle any escalation diplomatically but firmly, using internationally recognised watershed maps to assert Thailand’s territorial rights.

 

Officials reaffirm that Prasat Ta Muen Thom is, and has always been, part of Thailand’s cultural and territorial heritage.

 

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-05-11.