Cambodia Rejects Thai Claims Its Temples Are Military Sites, Protests Work at Border Heritage Sites
Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts rejected Thai military claims that Cambodian temples are used for military purposes, and protested Thai activities at border heritage sites, in a statement on 22 October 2026.
អត្ថបទនេះមិនទាន់មានជាភាសាខ្មែរនៅឡើយទេ។ អ្នកកំពុងអានអត្ថបទដើមជាភាសាអង់គ្លេស។
Cambodia has rejected repeated claims by the Thai military that it uses ancient temples along the border for military purposes, and has protested activities by Thai forces at Cambodian heritage sites carried out without Cambodia’s consent.
Key points
- Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts rejected Thai military allegations that Cambodia uses ancient temples for military purposes.
- It protested the presence of Thai forces and unilateral works at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and K’nar temples, including demining, construction and power lines.
- It cited damage to Preah Vihear Temple and other sites during armed clashes in July and December 2025.
- Cambodia called for talks through the Joint Boundary Commission and the return of objects taken from K’nar Temple.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts set out its position in a statement issued in Phnom Penh on Thursday, 22 October 2026. It said the Thai allegations were unfounded, distorted the facts, misled the public and diverted attention from damage Thai armed forces had caused to Cambodian cultural heritage.
“Not military bases”
According to the ministry, Cambodia’s temples and archaeological sites serve cultural, historical, religious, conservation, research, educational and tourism purposes, and are not military bases.
It restated Cambodia’s commitment to protecting its heritage under two international treaties: the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Activities at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and K’nar temples
The ministry protested the continued presence of Thai forces and unilateral work by Thai authorities at Ta Moan Thom (also spelled Tamone Thom), Ta Krabey and K’nar temples, and at other Cambodian archaeological sites on the border.
The activities it listed include demining, infrastructure and electricity-network construction, and restoration and building projects. The ministry said such work raises serious concerns about respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and risks prejudicing a peaceful settlement of outstanding border issues.
Damage from the 2025 clashes
The statement recalled extensive damage to the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to other Cambodian heritage sites during armed clashes in July and December 2025. It called for restraint, accountability and full respect for the conventions that protect cultural property.
What Cambodia is asking for
The ministry called on Thai authorities to:
- stop making unfounded accusations;
- refrain from unilateral activities at Cambodian heritage sites;
- respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; and
- resolve outstanding issues peacefully through established bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).
It also repeated Cambodia’s call for the return of archaeological objects removed from K’nar Temple and taken to Thailand. The temples, the ministry said, are part of Cambodia’s national identity and of humanity’s shared heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Which temples are involved?
Ta Moan Thom (also spelled Tamone Thom), Ta Krabey and K’nar temples, along with other Cambodian archaeological sites on the Cambodia–Thailand border.
What does Cambodia accuse Thailand of?
Keeping forces at the temples and carrying out unilateral work there, including demining, construction and electricity-network projects, without Cambodia’s consent.
How does Cambodia want the dispute resolved?
Peacefully, through established bilateral mechanisms including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and in line with international law.
ផ្អែកលើរបាយការណ៍របស់ Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) ដោយមានការអនុញ្ញាត។
