Phnom penh: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a strong protest against all actions undertaken by Thailand at Ta Krabei Temple, reaffirming Cambodia's position that the site lies within its sovereign territory.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the protest from the Ministry is based on a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on January 2, 2026, concerning Thailand's violations. The protest addresses both direct actions affecting the structure of Ta Krabei Temple and the construction of infrastructure in areas surrounding the site.
The Ministry emphasized that Ta Krabei Temple, which has recently suffered substantial destruction due to shelling by the Thai military, is an archaeological site protected by Cambodia's cultural institutions. It is also a sacred place of worship cherished by the Cambodian people for generations, in line with their beliefs, traditions, and customs.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts strongly opposed the use of armed force by the Thai military to invade and occupy Ta Krabei Temple, as well as any projects or activities that change the area's status. These actions, it stated, represent a serious breach of fundamental principles of international law, which prohibit the acquisition or occupation of territory through the use of force.
The Ministry urged Thailand to immediately stop all destructive actions and projects in and around Ta Krabei Temple and to seek a peaceful resolution of border issues in full compliance with the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907.