Cambodia has condemned Thailand’s decision to stage public tours at several temples currently under Thai military occupation, warning that the move risks inflaming tensions along the border.

In a statement issued late on 13 April, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts expressed grave concern over what it described as “the continued facilitation of tourism and public gatherings by Thai authorities” at Tamone Thom, Ta Krabey and K’Nar temples. All three sites were seized during armed clashes in December.

Officials argued that organised visits and promotional activities go beyond a simple military presence, amounting instead to an assertion of administrative control. “These actions represent an unlawful exercise of jurisdiction over Cambodian territory,” the ministry said, adding that such measures could create a false impression of ownership.

The ministry stressed that the sites hold deep cultural and historical significance for Cambodia, and warned that increased public engagement could complicate future negotiations. It also raised concerns that infrastructure projects around the temples may be attempts to solidify Thai claims.

Citing the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and principles under the UN Charter, Cambodia accused Thailand of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It called for an immediate halt to the tours and the withdrawal of all personnel, while reaffirming its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully through the Joint Boundary Commission.

This latest development highlights how the conflict has shifted from military confrontation to symbolic and cultural assertion, underscoring the sensitivity of heritage sites in the broader struggle over territory and national identity.

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Those temples were under Thai administration a couple of years ago. It was Cambodia's creeping occupation that sparked the war in the first place.

5 hours ago, malathione said:

Those temples were under Thai administration a couple of years ago. It was Cambodia's creeping occupation that sparked the war in the first place.

With respect get your facts right! This temple was on Cambodian sovereign land since 1904. Thailand now illegally occupies it.

Reference (Google)

1. Thai Claim: Thailand maintains that Ta Kwai Temple is located within Thai territory in the Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin Province. The Thai Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed it is a Thai antiquity, citing its registration in 1935 and conducting restoration work in the 1990s.

2. Cambodian Claim: Cambodia claims the temple is part of its sovereign territory based on 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties and maps. (many years before Thailand poked its nose in)

It was not Cambodia's creeping occupation that started the war, It was aggtessive Thai Military action when, sadly, 2 Khmer soldiers patrolling on their side of the border wereshot dead.

It was all part of a propaganda stunt to boost thepopularity of Mister Anutin Sino Thai at the Thai General Election.

1 minute ago, Burma Bill said:

With respect get your facts right! This temple was on Cambodian sovereign land since 1904. Thailand now illegally occupies it.

Reference (Google)

1. Thai Claim: Thailand maintains that Ta Kwai Temple is located within Thai territory in the Phanom Dong Rak district of Surin Province. The Thai Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed it is a Thai antiquity, citing its registration in 1935 and conducting restoration work in the 1990s.

2. Cambodian Claim: Cambodia claims the temple is part of its sovereign territory based on 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties and maps. (many years before Thailand poked its nose in)

It was not Cambodia's creeping occupation that started the war, It was aggtessive Thai Military action when, sadly, 2 Khmer soldiers patrolling on their side of the border wereshot dead.

It was all part of a propaganda stunt to boost thepopularity of Mister Anutin Sino Thai at the Thai General Election.

With respect, I visited it from the Thai side two years ago. Did you?

5 hours ago, malathione said:

With respect, I visited it from the Thai side two years ago. Did you?

Unfortunately not as I live in Cambodia and it would have meant crossing the Thai border to access what was illegal occupation, and with respect to my Khmer friends I did not want to recognise Thai occupancy. However, 10 years ago I did visit the astounding Preah Vihear UNESCO temple complex with its magnificant structures, many now sadly damaged by the Thai Military and its Air Force. Whatever Thailand thinks, this temple is solely within Cambodia and could take up to 30 years to rebuild to its former glory. (ref.Google)

Here are the key details regarding the restoration efforts:

• Initial Stabilization: The first phase to stabilize the temple and prevent further damage is estimated to take 5–10 years.

• Total Timeframe: Full, long-term restoration and conservation could take 20–30 years.

Yes, UNESCO officials have been dispatched to Preah Vihear to assess damage following intense border conflicts that caused significant destruction to the 11th-century temple in 2025 and early 2026.

Key Findings on Damage Assessments (As of April 2026):

• UNESCO Site Visit: Two officials were sent to the site to assess the damage and mobilize funding for long-term restoration.

Thank you for your comment.