Cambodians disperse peacefully after disturbance at Prasat Ta Khwai

A group of about 30 Cambodians caused a disturbance on Wednesday, by dancing and singing using a loudhailer, at the un-demarcated Prasat Ta Khwai historical site in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district.

They did, however, agree to disperse peacefully after Thai border patrol police, from the Suranaree Task Force stationed at the site, spoke with them and explained the rules, said Thai Army Deputy Spokesman Col Richa Suksuwan today.

Richa did not provide further details, but noted that the group, which included both men and women, engaged in some symbolic acts during the event.

"The Thai police explained to them that such actions were inappropriate and were not in line with the agreements reached between Cambodia and Thailand," he said, adding that they issued a polite and appropriate warning and they agreed to stop and leave the site peacefully.

Prasat Ta Khwai remains a disputed area pending demarcation. Both countries have agreed to deploy unarmed personnel at the site.

Prasat Ta Khwai was among the disputed locations, the ownership of which Cambodia has recently asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to adjudicate.

Prasat Ta Khwai//TAT

Based on its architectural style, the “prasat” (castle, palace or temple) is believed to have been built between the late Angkor Wat and early Bayon periods, during the reigns of King Suryavarman II and King Jayavarman VII, between the late twelfth and thirteenth centuries AD.