SURIN – The Thai army has accused Cambodian forces of using a historic border temple as a military base to launch operations against Thailand, in what it says is a violation of international law. The Second Army Region, responsible for security along the Cambodian border, stated that Cambodian troops equipped with heavy weapons have been stationed at the site known in Thailand as Ta Kwai Temple, accompanied by family members.

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International conventions, including the 1954 Hague Convention, prohibit the use of cultural or historical sites for military purposes in a manner that exposes them to damage or destruction. The Thai military emphasized that the alleged militarization of the temple breaches these norms.

The accusation comes in response to claims from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, which earlier accused Thailand of intentionally attacking the site, referred to in Cambodia as Ta Krabey Temple. The Cambodian ministry released a statement condemning what it called a “blatant disregard for culture, civilization and the sacred heritage that forms part of the shared legacy of humanity.” Accompanying social media posts included images purportedly showing Thai military strikes directly targeting the temple, resulting in its near-total destruction.

Thailand restored Prasat Ta Kwai, but Cambodian soldiers used the restored temple as a bunker.
And even though the temple is damaged, Thailand can certainly repair it again. pic.twitter.com/3MDx5YPLFz

— OHM.Talent (@ohm_talent) December 10, 2025

Cambodia asserts that the temple is a sacred heritage site built by Khmer ancestors and holds deep historical and spiritual significance. It has long been a popular destination for visitors from both countries.

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Thailand, however, maintains that the temple is located within its territory in Surin province. The site sits in a contested border zone that has been a flashpoint in ongoing clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces. The exchange of accusations marks a further escalation in tensions, intertwining cultural heritage with military conflict.

-Thailand News (TN)