Royal Thai Army Rejects Cambodian Allegations Over Border Temple Operations and Artefact Relocation

Key summary

On October 24, 2026, Royal Thai Army spokesman Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree rejected Cambodian allegations that military activities at Ta Muen Thom, Ta Kwai, and Khana temples violated Cambodian sovereignty. The Thai army stated these sites are under Thai sovereignty and that operations were conducted to protect territory, civilians, and personnel. Maj Gen Suvaree defended the relocation of artefacts from Khana temple for study and restoration in accordance with conservation principles. Conversely, Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued a statement on October 22 accusing Thailand of violating sovereignty and removing archaeological objects from Khana. The Thai spokesman also alleged that Cambodian forces used ancient monuments at Ta Kwai and Preah Vihear for military purposes, citing images of soldiers and PMN-2 anti-personnel mines at Ta Kwai and claims of artillery use at Preah Vihear. Cambodia's ministry rejected these claims as unfounded. Maj Gen Suvaree criticized Cambodia for refusing to address evidence regarding alleged encroachment in Sa Kaeo province, the discovery of mines, attacks on Thai civilian areas, and the use of heritage sites as military bases.