BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Culture reaffirmed that Ta Kwai Temple and the Ta Muen temple complex are Thai historical monuments and emphasized the urgent need for restoration due to damage caused by the recent border clashes.
The statement was made by Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised at a press briefing on the restoration of Ta Kwai Temple, the Ta Muen temple complex, and other historical sites along the Thai–Cambodian border. Attendees included the Permanent Secretary for Culture Prasop Riangngoen, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department Phanombootra Chandrajoti, and representatives from the Royal Thai Army, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and national security agencies. The event took place at the National Museum Bangkok.
The Minister stated that Cambodia submitted a protest letter requesting that Thailand halt restoration at Ta Kwai Temple and the Ta Muen temple complex, claiming the sites belong to Cambodia. The Ministry of Culture clarified that both sites are within Thai territory and are registered Thai antiquities.
Ta Muen Thom and Ta Muen Tot Temples were registered as national monuments in the Royal Gazette in 1935. Thailand approved restoration budgets from 1990 to 1996 and completed the principal sanctuary’s restoration without objection from Cambodia at that time.
Ta Kwai Temple, in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin province, was surveyed by the Fine Arts Department and Border Patrol Police in 2001–2002. Archaeological documentation confirmed the site is within Thai territory.
The Minister noted that evidence from recent clashes shows Cambodian forces used Ta Kwai Temple as a military position, causing severe damage to the monument. She stated that such actions contradict international principles that prohibit the use of cultural heritage sites for military purposes.
After the ceasefire and Thailand’s re-establishment of control, the Fine Arts Department was tasked with conducting immediate surveys for urgent restoration. The Second Army Region is assisting because landmines in and around the site pose major obstacles to restoration.
The Ministry reiterated Thailand’s right and responsibility to restore Ta Kwai temple, the Ta Muen temple complex, and other border-area monuments located on Thai soil. (NNT)
