Khaosod
Cambodia urges Thailand to delist disputed border temples
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 1 outlet. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
◌ Single Source
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has demanded that Thailand withdraw its registration of several disputed ancient temples along the Thai-Cambodian border, calling the move a violation of Cambodian sovereignty.
Key facts
- In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it strongly protests and firmly rejects the decision by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department to include the Ta Muen Thom temple complex, Ta Kwai temple, and other archaeological sites in
- The statement specifically referred to the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2003 Terms of Reference, and the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission as the only recognized frameworks for settlement.
- The ministry described Thailand’s action as illegal, null, and without legal effect, arguing that unilateral registration cannot be used as evidence of territorial sovereignty or border demarcation
- It maintained that unresolved border issues must be addressed through international law and existing bilateral mechanisms.
Summary
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it strongly protests and firmly rejects the decision by Thailand’s Fine Arts Department to include the Ta Muen Thom temple complex, Ta Kwai temple, and other archaeological sites in Thailand’s national register of ancient monuments. The official document asserts that these sites are located within Cambodian sovereign territory.
The ministry described Thailand’s action as illegal, null, and without legal effect, arguing that unilateral registration cannot be used as evidence of territorial sovereignty or border demarcation. It maintained that unresolved border issues must be addressed through international law and existing bilateral mechanisms.