Phnom Penh slams Thai ministers’ presence at Ta Kwai Temple rites
Cambodia’s Culture and Fine Arts Ministry has condemned and protested Thailand’s hosting yesterday of a religious rite to honour fallen soldiers at the ancient ruins of Ta Kwai Temple in Surin province.
The ministry described the event as an unauthorised activity that has heightened tensions along the border by creating a fait accompli at the temple in Phanom Dong Rak district.
In a statement dated April 22, the ministry said it “reiterates its strongest protest” against the continued presence and actions of Thai authorities and “affiliated individuals” in the area, which Cambodia maintains lies within its sovereign territory.
The event was co-chaired by Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen and Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised, along with other senior government officials.
The statement also criticised the presence of Adul and Sabeeda at the temple, saying such high-level involvement reinforced the “unlawful character” of the actions.
“Such actions undermine ongoing efforts towards a peaceful and negotiated settlement,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that, despite a series of formal communications sent on January 30, April 13, and April 22, Thai authorities have persisted in staging public gatherings, facilitating visits, and carrying out related activities at the temple site.
“These actions constitute a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and amount to an unlawful exercise of jurisdiction,” the statement said.
Phnom Penh also expressed grave concern over recent developments, including reported infrastructure works and the sustained presence of Thai officials, warning that such steps could “establish irreversible facts” on the ground.
According to the ministry, these actions run counter to multiple legal frameworks governing the Cambodia–Thailand border, including the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and subsequent demarcation instruments, such as the 1:200,000-scale maps and related boundary commission records.
Cambodia also cited violations of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2003 Terms of Reference for the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and the principles of the UN Charter.
Cambodia called on the Thai government to immediately cease all activities at the site, withdraw all personnel, and refrain from further actions that could aggravate the situation.
Despite its strong tone, Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the dispute through peaceful means, particularly through existing bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).