Cambodia uses historic ruins as military base – Thai army

The Thai army has accused Cambodian forces of using one of the ancient ruins, known as Ta Kwai Temple, on the Thai-Cambodian border as a base to launch military actions against Thailand.

The Second Army Region said Cambodian troops with heavy arms were stationed at the ruins along with their family members.

It said the alleged practice is in violation of international law which prohibits the use of historical or cultural sites for military purposes in a way that exposes them to destruction or damage.

The Second Army Region, which oversees security in areas bordering Cambodia, was responding charges by Cambodia that Thai military intentionally attacked the ruins which it claims as its cultural heritage site known as Ta Krabey Temple during the renewed clashes between the two countries.

Cambodian’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a statement accusing Thailand of demonstrating a “blatant disregard for culture, civilization and the sacred heritage that forms part of the shared legacy of humanity”.

The ministry also posted on its Facebook page pictures allegedly showing Thai military firing bombs directly at Ta Krabey Temple, causing its complete destruction. The ministry said the temple, located in the contested border region, is a sacred site built and preserved by Khmer ancestors and holds immense historical and spiritual value.

The temple has been a popular tourist spot among both Thai and Cambodian people. Thailand has long maintained that it is located in Thai territory in Surin province.