Thai military authorised to suspend visits to Ta Muen Thom - Phumtham

The Thai military has been authorised to decide whether to suspend visits to Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province, but the decision must be discussed at a National Security Council meeting before implementation, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said today.

Phumtham noted, however, that the situation at the site remains normal. If there are any changes, the 1st and 2nd Army Region Commands have the authority to determine the appropriate responses.

The 2nd Army Region has cited reports of Cambodian military intrusion onto Thai territory as the justification for closing checkpoints under its jurisdiction.

There have also been symbolic displays by Cambodian civilians at Ta Muen Thom and Ta Khwai temples in Surin province.

Ta Muen Thom has recently become a point of contention between Thai and Cambodian troops.

Over the weekend, a group of Thai cyclists briefly visited the temple. Hours later, the Cambodian side claimed it had not been informed of the visit in advance.

The Thai military, however, insist that Cambodian liaison officers had been informed beforehand, in accordance with existing agreements, and reiterated that the temple is on Thai sovereign territory.

Recently, a group of 30 Cambodians visited the temple, singing songs and making a lot of noise. They dispersed peacefully, though, after Thai troops stationed at the site intervened.

Recently, the number of Cambodian visitors to the temple has increased significantly, prompting Thai troops to step up surveillance.

The temple is one of four sites, the ownership(s) of which Cambodia has proposed be settled by the World Court (ICJ), while Thailand maintains that it lies on Thai territory.