Thai army rejects Cambodia’s claims of incursions at three border temples
Thailand’s army says Khana temple artefacts were moved for study and restoration as Cambodia demands their return and disputes Thai sovereignty.
- The Royal Thai Army rejected Cambodian allegations that its military operations at the Ta Muen Thom, Ta Kwai, and Khana border temples violate Cambodian sovereignty.
- Thailand asserts that the areas are under its own sovereignty and its military activities are necessary protective measures, such as mine clearance, not acts of aggression.
- In response to claims of theft, the army stated that artefacts from Khana temple were relocated for study and restoration, not illicitly removed.
- The Thai army counter-accused Cambodia of using ancient monuments for military purposes, citing evidence of soldiers and anti-personnel mines at Ta Kwai temple.
Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree rejected Cambodian allegations on October 24, 2026, that Thai military operations at three border temples violated Cambodia’s sovereignty. He also defended the relocation of artefacts from Khana temple, saying they had been moved for study and restoration.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued a statement on October 22 accusing Thailand of violating Cambodian sovereignty through activities at Ta Muen Thom, Ta Kwai and Khana temples. The ministry also alleged that Thai authorities had removed archaeological objects from Khana and demanded their return.
Thai army describes temple operations as protective measures
Maj Gen Winthai maintained that the areas cited by Cambodia, including Khana temple, were under Thai sovereignty. Thai troops were operating within their own country to protect territory, civilians and military personnel, he said.
Mine clearance, route improvements and measures to strengthen security were necessary safety precautions, Maj Gen Winthai said, rejecting Cambodia’s portrayal of the operations as an incursion, aggression or provocation.
Addressing the artefacts, Maj Gen Winthai said the objects from Khana had been relocated for study and restoration in accordance with conservation principles. He denied that the move amounted to illicit removal and reiterated Thailand’s claim to sovereignty over the site.
Maj Gen Winthai said Thailand placed importance on protecting cultural heritage and had consistently respected international law.
Winthai alleges military use of Ta Kwai and Preah Vihear
Maj Gen Winthai said Thailand had evidence that Cambodian forces had used ancient monuments for military purposes. He cited images that he said showed Cambodian soldiers and bundles of PMN-2 anti-personnel mines at Ta Kwai temple.
At Preah Vihear, Maj Gen Winthai alleged that Cambodian forces had used the site as an artillery firing base and a position for support weapons to attack and threaten the Thai side. He called on Cambodia to explain the evidence directly rather than deny the allegations and blame Thailand alone.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts rejected allegations of military use in its October 22 statement, describing the claims as unfounded and maintaining that heritage sites were used for cultural, religious, conservation, research, educational and tourism purposes.
Army spokesman warns accusations could undermine peaceful talks
Maj Gen Winthai argued that Cambodia’s repeated denials and accusations risked damaging trust and efforts to resolve differences peacefully. He said Cambodia should acknowledge verifiable evidence and account for its own actions.
Maj Gen Winthai accused Cambodia of refusing to address evidence presented by Thailand concerning alleged encroachment in Sa Kaeo province, the discovery of PMN-2 anti-personnel mines, attacks on Thai civilian areas that caused deaths and injuries, and the use of ancient monuments as military bases.
Maj Gen Winthai also criticised what he described as Cambodia’s lack of sincerity in tackling the landmine problem, saying there had been no clear progress.
Presenting information that contradicted verifiable evidence would undermine Cambodia’s credibility, Maj Gen Winthai said. He called on Cambodia to stop using public communications to provoke tensions, distort facts and widen the conflict, warning that such conduct would erode trust and obstruct a peaceful resolution between the two countries.
