The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia reiterates its strongest protest against the illegal and forceful occupation by Thai armed forces of Cambodian cultural heritage sites, including Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey Temple, Khnar Temple, and other related sites located within Cambodia’s sovereign territory.
The Ministry expresses grave concern over the continued presence of Thai authorities and the construction of infrastructure, including roads and the installation of statues, which constitute a fait accompli on the ground and a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The organisation of public visits and activities in these areas further represents an unlawful exercise of jurisdiction and administration over Cambodian territory.
“These actions are in serious breach of the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907, the maps resulting from the demarcation work of the Commissions of Delimitation of the boundary between Indo-China and Siam, all documents relating the application of the Treaty of 1907, the MOU 2000, TOR 2003, the Charter of the United Nations, the 1954 Hague Convention, and fundamental principles of international law,” the ministry said.
The Ministry called on the Thai government to immediately cease these activities, withdraw all personnel and equipment, and fully respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and urged Thailand to act responsibly and engage constructively through established bilateral mechanisms, existing agreements, and international law, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), it added.
The Ministry also called on Thailand to take immediate corrective measures in the interests of peace, legality, and the protection of humanity’s cultural heritage.
