SURIN – The ancient Ta Kwai temple in Surin province, heavily damaged during recent Thai-Cambodian border clashes, is now at risk of structural collapse, authorities warned on Tuesday. Public access remains strictly prohibited due to both the unstable ruins and uncleared landmines in the surrounding area.

Border Clashes Escalate as Cambodian Rockets Strike Surin’s Ta Kwai Area

Officials from the Fine Arts Department have assessed the site and are drafting restoration plans, but emphasized that the temple remains unsafe. Lt Col Sarayut Malasai, commander of the 22nd Infantry Battalion, stated that the area—including the temple and nearby Hill 350—is still contaminated with a large number of landmines.

“The walkable routes you see are concrete paths. Off to both sides are minefields, particularly on the right, where many mines were laid,” he explained. Clearance operations so far have focused only on ensuring troop safety during combat, with comprehensive demining yet to be completed.

The Khmer-style temple, dating from the 11th to 13th centuries, was seized by Thai forces in December after about 10 days of intense fighting. Lt Col Sarayut noted that Cambodian troops had held elevated positions and fortified the area over many years, though there were no Thai casualties during the operation.

Damaged Ta Kwai temple ‘at risk of collapse’ https://t.co/BenjE72YRu

— Bangkok Post (@BKK_POST) January 20, 2026

Currently, Cambodian forces have repositioned roughly one kilometer away from Thai positions, concentrating west of Hill 350. Thai troops now maintain control over a four-kilometer stretch and are strengthening defensive lines amid ongoing uncertainty.

Lt Col Sarayut asserted that the area has historically been under Thai control, alleging Cambodian encroachment over the past 20 to 40 years. While there is potential for future tourism development, current priorities remain security and stabilization.

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For now, the temple remains off-limits, with safety and clearance operations taking precedence over public access or restoration work.

-Thailand News (TN)