Advance booking urged as crowds flock to Prasat Ta Khwai

Thai people flocked to visit Prasat Ta Khwai ancient ruins and Mount 350 in Phanom Dongrak district of Surin province during the weekend, after the Second Army Region opened the former Cambodian border flashpoints to the public on a trial basis.

Due to overwhelming interest and limited capacity at the sites, the army advises those wishing to visit next weekend to register and make reservations online in advance.

The trial opening of the historical tourism route on Saturday attracted more than 3,000 visitors, who came to experience what authorities described as a new destination, combining history, culture and nature along Thailand's border with Cambodia.

The route, jointly opened by Surin province, the Second Army Region and Bak Dai sub-district administrative organisation, includes Prasat Ta Khwai and Mount 350 in Bak Dai sub-district. The sites will be open again to visitors on June 13 and 14.

The approximately 2.9km historical walking trail features seven key points of interest, including the Thai Defenders Monument, the Buddha Metta statue, Prasat Ta Khwai, Mount 350 and memorial statues dedicated to soldiers who served in the area.

The project aims to promote historical learning alongside nature tourism, while commemorating those who defended Thailand's territorial integrity.

Shuttle services from the screening point at Ban Thai Santisuk School were prepared and personnel were deployed along the route to provide security, as well as drinking water and basic medical assistance for visitors.

Interest remained strong on the second day of opening, with about 1,600 visitors entering the area. Parking facilities at the service point quickly reached capacity.

Bak Dai Administrative Organisation operated Songthaew (converted pickup truck) shuttle services to transport visitors to Prasat Ta Khwai for a fee of 100 baht per person.

The service proved popular as it helped ease traffic congestion and improved safety along the route.

Among the visitors were two elderly ladies, 86-year-old Yuad Thandi and her 82-year-old sister Ruab Thandi.

Due to their age, volunteer ranger soldiers carried them up to the ancient temple site. Upon reaching the summit, both women paid their respects at the ruins and offered prayers for the safety of Thai soldiers stationed along the border.

Sakonsupha Buapha, 56, deputy vice-president of the Surin Tourism Promotion Association, said she had brought a group to inspect the area after learning of the opening.

She said the visit had left a positive impression and demonstrated the site's potential as a new tourism destination.

Prasat Ta Khwai and nearby Mount 350 were among the areas placed under heightened security during the border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia in 2025.

The sites drew public attention after a border clash in late May last year triggered a diplomatic dispute and military buildup along parts of the frontier.

Access to the area was restricted during the standoff, making the recent trial reopening by the Second Army Region the first opportunity for many Thais to visit the historic sites.

The Thai Army has accused Cambodian troops of using Prasat Ta Khwai as a military base and weapons storage site during the border tensions, arguing that such activities violate international principles and UNESCO conventions aimed at protecting cultural and historical heritage sites from military use.