Cambodia urges Thailand to delist disputed border temples
Cambodia demands Thailand delist ancient border temples from its national heritage register, saying the sites lie in Cambodian territory and the registration violates their sovereignty.
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.
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.
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.
Cambodia further accused Thailand of attempting to create an artificial legal appearance over the sites, claiming the move undermines the spirit of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between the neighboring nations. The ministry called on the Thai government to immediately revoke the registration and refrain from further unilateral actions.
