SURIN — A heated confrontation between Thai and Cambodian troops at the historic Ta Muen Thom Temple forced the evacuation of tourists and temporary closure of the site today, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of the incident that nearly escalated into physical violence.

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The standoff began when a Cambodian national allegedly accused Thai soldiers of territorial encroachment, sparking verbal exchanges that quickly drew in troops from both sides. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the dispute escalated to pushing and shoving between military personnel, prompting temple staff to urgently clear visitors from the area. Viral footage showed panicked tourists fleeing toward exit gates as tensions peaked.

Thai Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree confirmed an investigation is underway, maintaining Thai troops acted to de-escalate the situation after Cambodian soldiers allegedly advanced from their post. However, Cambodia’s Khmer Times reported the conflict began when Thai paramilitary units blocked Cambodian tourists from entering the temple, leading to intervention by Cambodian troops “protecting national sovereignty.”

ด่วน ‼️มีเหตุไม่สงบเกิดขึ้นที่ ปราสาทตาเมือนธม เจ้าหน้าที่เคลียร์ นักท่องเที่ยวออกพื้นที่ รอความชัดเจนจากกังทัพบก อีกครั้ง#ปราสาทตาเมือนธม #ทหารไทย#ทหารกัมพูชา #ไทยกัมพูชา #กองทัพบก pic.twitter.com/pQRtyVgHMC

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The temple, a UNESCO-listed site in a long-disputed border zone, reopened hours later after commanders from both armies intervened. Surin authorities have imposed temporary visitor restrictions while security assessments continue. The incident marks the first major military confrontation at the site since 2022, reviving concerns about fragile border relations.

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Tour operators advise checking with authorities before visiting Ta Muen Thom until further notice.

-Thailand News (TN)