Culture Minister Declares Ta Kwai Temple as Thai Property, Demands Urgent Restoration

BANGKOK — Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth affirmed on February 6, 2026, that the Ta Kwai temple and Ta Muen temple complex are Thai antiquities requiring immediate restoration, citing significant damage allegedly caused by Cambodian military occupation. At a press conference at the National Museum in Phra Nakhon, Sabida firmly rejected Cambodia's protests against restoration efforts, emphasizing that the sites are located on Thai territory and under Thai legal jurisdiction. She noted that Ta Muen Thom and Ta Muen Tot were officially registered as Thai antiquities in 1935, with previous restoration work completed between 1990 and 1996 without Cambodian objection. Sabida highlighted that recent conflicts demonstrated the temple was misused as a military position, violating international cultural heritage principles. The Fine Arts Department is now collaborating with the 2nd Army Region to survey and restore the sites, despite significant challenges from landmines surrounding the temples. Preliminary assessments reveal severe structural damage to Ta Kwai temple, necessitating urgent restoration efforts.