BANGKOK, 22 September 2010 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has reiterated that the ancient Ta Muen Thom Temple ruin at Phanom Dong Rak district, in Surin Province, belongs to Thailand.

The Cambodian side earlier claimed that the Temple was situated in Cambodian territory; it also threatened to open fire if the Thai side deployed its personnel to do anything with the ruin, including restoring it.

The Prime Minister has admitted that incidents similar to this have taken place before given both sides side have for years tried to claim their rights over the ancient temple. Whenever the Thai side attempts to enter the premises to restore the temple, the Cambodian side would protest against it; just like what it did in 2001.

NNT