Report Thai Army Confirms Cambodian Tourists' Visit to Disputed Temple

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Picture courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

This morning, the Thai army confirmed that a group of Cambodian tourists visited Prasat Ta Khwai temple in Surin province. This visit comes amid tensions following Cambodia's filing of a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice over this and two other disputed temples, along with the Mombei area.

 

On June 18, around 30 Cambodian tourists, escorted by soldiers, arrived at the temple where they sang a song and captured photos and videos. This act contravened an existing agreement between Thailand and Cambodia that prohibits symbolic expressions at the Prasat Ta Khwai, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, and Prasat Ta Muen Tot temples.

 

Thai soldiers intervened politely, reminding the tourists of the agreement and requesting their cooperation. The tourists complied and departed the site after approximately 20 minutes.

 

The intervention was managed smoothly, adhering to the bilateral guidelines, which permit unarmed officers to support visitors to the temple.

 

Earlier this year, a confrontation occurred at Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple when a Thai guide clashed with Cambodian soldiers after a video of Cambodians singing their national anthem at the temple went viral.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-06-20