BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army on Wednesday refuted claims by a Cambodian journalist that Cambodian forces had seized control of the historic Ta Kwai Temple, instead accusing Phnom Penh of illegally deploying anti-personnel landmines around the contested site in violation of international treaties.

Thailand to Escort Foreign Envoys at Border Amid Ceasefire Violation Claims

Dispute Over Temple Control

The rebuttal came after Cambodian journalist Pheara Sarat posted a photo on July 30 showing himself with Cambodian soldiers at the temple, captioned: “Cambodia has seized it.” However, the image also revealed PMN-2 anti-personnel mines—banned under the Ottawa Treaty—placed near the ancient structure.

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, Thai Army spokesman, dismissed the capture claim, stating that while Thai forces control most of the surrounding area, they have been unable to fully secure the temple itself due to Cambodia’s extensive mine-laying operations.

Violation of International Law

The Thai military condemned Cambodia’s use of PMN-2 mines, which pose severe risks to soldiers, civilians, and cultural heritage sites. The spokesman cited the case of “Lieutenant Book,” a Thai soldier who lost a leg to one of the devices, as evidence of Cambodia’s prohibited tactics.

“Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, which bans these weapons,” Maj. Gen. Winthai said. “Their deployment is not only illegal but also a deliberate threat to regional stability.”

Strategic Gains Post-Ceasefire

Despite the standoff at Ta Kwai, the Thai Army emphasized that its forces now hold more territory in the surrounding area than before the recent clashes. The military views Cambodia’s temple capture claim as disinformation aimed at manipulating international opinion.

Renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia at border

The incident underscores the fragility of the ceasefire as both nations prepare for August 4 border talks in Phnom Penh.

-Thailand News (TN)