Thailand designates Ta Muen and Ta Kwai as protected ancient monuments
Thailand's Fine Arts Department has officially protected several ancient temple complexes in Surin province, including the historic Ta Muen and Ta Kwai sites near the Cambodian border, strengthening legal safeguards for these archaeological
SURIN — Thailand's Fine Arts Department has officially added several historical sites in Surin province to the national register of ancient monuments, including the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temple complexes near the Cambodian border.
The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on May 12 under a Fine Arts Department declaration listing protected ancient sites across Surin province.
The declaration invoked the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act of 1961, as amended in 1992, which defines ancient monuments as immovable properties with artistic, historical or archaeological significance, including archaeological sites, historical sites and historical parks.
The department stated that the listing aims to provide stronger legal protection for ancient monuments under Thailand's heritage conservation framework.
The newly registered sites include:
Kap Choeng district: Prasat Mon Charoen, Prasat Beng, Prasat Chem, and Prasat Nong Khana
Bua Chet district: Prasat O Thalan
Phanom Dong Rak district: Prasat Ban Nong Khanna, Prasat Ta Muen (also known as Prasat Bay Krim), and Prasat Ta Kwai (also known as Prasat Ta Wai)
Sangkha district: Prasat Tao Thong
The declaration was signed on April 9, 2026 by Fine Arts Department director-general Phanomboot Chanthachot.
