Cambodia rejects Thai claim over disputed border temples

PHNOM PENH, 9 February 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has rejected recent assertions by Thailand claiming sovereignty over two ancient temple sites along their shared frontier, insisting the remarks have no foundation in international law.

In a statement issued Sunday, Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts dismissed comments made on 6 February by Thai Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth regarding Ta Krabey Temple—known in Thailand as Ta Kwai—and the Ta Mone temple complex.

Phnom Penh said both temples lie entirely within Cambodian territory, citing the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and their annexed maps. The ministry noted that these treaties formed the legal basis for the International Court of Justice’s 1962 ruling on the nearby Preah Vihear temple.

The statement rejected Thai claims based on unilateral registrations, domestic administrative acts dating back to 1935, or maps “lacking international recognition,” stressing that such measures cannot override binding bilateral agreements.

Cambodia warned that any restoration or development work undertaken without its consent would violate a 2000 memorandum of understanding on border demarcation and undermine cooperation within ASEAN.

The ministry further accused Thailand of breaching international norms by maintaining troops at cultural heritage sites, citing the UN Charter and the 1954 Hague Convention on the protection of cultural property during armed conflict.

Reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful, rules-based resolution, Cambodia urged Thailand to halt unilateral activities at the disputed sites.

Should disagreements persist, Phnom Penh said it preferred a legally binding settlement through the ICJ rather than “force or inflammatory rhetoric.”

Cambodia pledged to continue safeguarding its cultural heritage and defending the integrity of its national borders.