Cambodia calls Thai registration of three Surin temples unlawful

Cambodia’s Culture Ministry has called on Thailand to immediately withdraw the registration of the temples of Ta Muen Thom, Ta Kwai and Nong Khana in Thailand’s Surin province from its archaeological sites registry.

In a statement, the ministry described Thailand’s Fine Arts Department’s registration as unlawful. The registration was announced in the Royal Gazette and took effect on May 9.

“Cambodia considers this registration an unlawful attempt to create an artificial legal appearance [sic] over cultural sites situated within the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” the statement said.

In Cambodia, the temples are known as Tamone, Ta Krabey and K'nar.

The Royal Gazette announcement stated that the Fine Arts Department added the temples to its official registry “for the sake of clarity in protecting ancient monuments.”

The long-standing border dispute between the two neighbouring countries erupted into fighting in July and December last year, killing dozens of people and leaving some temples claimed by both sides under Thai control.

Thailand took control of the temples in question before a ceasefire was signed, prompting protests from Cambodia.

The ministry described the unilateral action as “illegal, null and without legal effect,” stressing that the registration cannot serve as evidence of territorial sovereignty or be used as an instrument for border delineation.

It added that the action violates Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermines the spirit of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between the two neighbouring countries.

The Royal Gazette announced the Fine Arts Department’s registration of 79 archaeological sites across the North, Northeast and South.

In Surin province, nine temples, including the three in question, were listed as ancient sites this year.

Thailand’s Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised said the designation of the archaeological sites would improve the efficiency of their management, protection and preservation, particularly in preventing encroachment and damage.

She said it would also facilitate restoration and conservation work, allowing such efforts to proceed more effectively within a clearer legal framework.