Report Temple Tensions: Thai Army Prepares for Border Fence Decision

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Cambo Tours & Travel

 

The commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region has announced the military's readiness to erect a fence around the contested Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province, pending approval from the government and the Department of Fine Arts.

 

Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang assured that stability prevails along the border despite the ongoing dispute. While local discussions between Thai and Cambodian officials continue, critical policy decisions remain at the national level.

 

The ancient temple, sitting on the frontier between Thailand and Cambodia, recently became a hotspot of controversy after a Thai tourist assaulted a Cambodian soldier. In response, Thai officials issued an apology, which was accepted by the Cambodian side. Legal proceedings against the attacker are underway.

 

Lt. Gen. Boonsin urged tourists to act responsibly to avoid straining delicate international relations. He highlighted that military personnel from both countries had been instructed to monitor the situation closely, especially as the temple has witnessed a rise in visitor numbers.

 

Tensions escalated when Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen issued a warning: “I am not threatening war, but we are preparing for a war that may come,” he told the Khmer Times, in response to the potential fence installation.

 

Lt. Gen. Boonsin emphasised that the army is prepared to follow orders from the government. He clarified that Thailand uses a 1:50,000 scale map to define the boundary, with any changes being a technical matter for policymakers.

 

He added that Cambodian nationals are allowed to perform religious ceremonies at temples like Ta Khwai in Surin, provided they stay within the agreed boundaries.

 

Major General Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, disclosed that an incident involving a Cambodian woman accusing Thai soldiers of crossing into Cambodian territory is under investigation. Despite altercations at Ta Muen Thom temple, he reassured the public that the situation is under control.

 

The dispute underscores a long-standing tension that sees the military bracing for potential escalation. The future decisions about the fence and border delineations may have significant implications for both countries' diplomatic relations. As it stands, the focus remains on maintaining peace and cooperation, acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding the historic temple's jurisdiction.

 

With these developments, the financial dimension looms large too, as any border changes might impact tourism and local economies, with potential costs and benefits weighed in the realm of millions of Thai Baht.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-16

 

 

[redwood1]

A fence......HA.......No one gave a rats azz about this 3rd rate temple for many a decade.....How about a 50/50 split and call it a day...

[jaywalker-2]

11 hours ago, redwood1 said:

A fence......HA.......No one gave a rats azz about this 3rd rate temple for many a decade.....How about a 50/50 split and call it a day...

Because contracts will go out & there will be ample opportunity for graft.

 

I'm from Florida, got a ha sip/ha sip 19 year old daughter in Isaan....woogie-boogie! In her world them Cambodians are EVIL INCARNATE!

 

She getting on a plane soon. Put her in FSU college here & turn her into a Gator.

[hotchilli]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region has announced the military's readiness to erect a fence around the contested Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province, pending approval from the government and the Department of Fine Arts.

That's not going to go down well.. 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, redwood1 said:

A fence......HA.......No one gave a rats azz about this 3rd rate temple for many a decade.....How about a 50/50 split and call it a day...

Alternate day visitation rights sounds amicable

[damian]

12 hours ago, redwood1 said:

A fence......HA.......No one gave a rats azz about this 3rd rate temple for many a decade.....How about a 50/50 split and call it a day...

The Thais do and will not give it up easily if at all. 

 

The concerning thing are these loose cannon generals who will build it regardless in the name of national security. 

 

It'll be on if/when this happens. 

[TheFishman1]

Do you think the Thai people could just sit down and be reasonable and come to an agreement oh wait a minute we’re talking about Thai people TIT

[Will B Good]

Contract?.....Got to be Anutin......he's the land grab expert.

[NoDisplayName]

This will eventually wind up similar to Preah Vihear.

 

[Patong2021]

Oh great. we get to see  Thai and Cambodian kids get killed or disfigured and crippled all for a bunch of useless stones and rocks.

[PETERTHEEATER]

The Minister of Culture will also become the Minister of de fence. 😋

[geisha]

This isn’t about the temple , it’s to stir up politics. They want her out.