Thai army regains control of Ta Kwai Temple, situation remains volatile

Thai army forces have successfully regained control of Ta Kwai Temple from Cambodia in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district, but the situation remains volatile, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree said today.

Troops from the Second Army Region pushed Cambodian soldiers out of the Ta Kwai Temple complex and secured the area this morning.

Surrounding strategic points, including Hill 350 and nearby elevated positions, remain under active operations as Thai forces continue to follow their tactical plan.

“The Cambodian side has responded by launching continuous attacks with all types of weapons, aiming to destroy Thai positions and retake lost ground,” Major General Winthai said.

“The situation remains volatile and requires high caution in all operations.”

Army Commander in Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodtuk is closely monitoring the operation and has instructed all units to proceed with care to minimize casualties and prevent unnecessary losses.

A video clip released today showed Thai soldiers raising the national flag over Ta Kwai Temple and singing the national anthem after retaking control.

Ta Kwai Temple, a significant historical site, has been a hotspot of conflict since initial clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces from July 24–28.

Following a ceasefire on July 29, Cambodian troops established a military base inside the temple, a violation of the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property.

A second round of clashes began on December 7, during which Thai forces sought to reclaim the site.

Cambodian counterattacks using BM21 rockets, artillery, and small arms destroyed the temple’s upper structures on December 9 before Thai troops regained access earlier today.

Phnombootra Chadrajoti, director general of the Fine Arts Department, meanwhile stated that Cambodia’s use of the ancient temple as a military stronghold clearly violated all kinds of rules, particularly international ones protecting cultural heritage.

Thailand has extensive evidence, including photos and video clips, to prove that Cambodia used many ancient temples as military outposts.

He emphasized that the military necessity of reclaiming the site inevitably caused damage to the temple, but restoration is possible.

“The Fine Arts Department has successfully restored complex historical sites in Thailand, such as Phanom Rung, Phimai, and Sdok Kok Thom temples,” he said.

“Using advanced methods and modern technology, we can restore Ta Kwai Temple to its original condition or better once it is securely within Thai territory.”

The director general was speaking before the Thai military regained control of Ta Kwai Temple.