PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a strong protest against Thailand over public events, religious ceremonies and tourism activities conducted at several ancient temples located along the Cambodia–Thailand border, asserting that the actions constitute a violation of Cambodian sovereignty under international law.
In a statement on Saturday (May 16), the ministry said Thai authorities had organised gatherings at several sites which Phnom Penh argues are located on occupied Cambodian territory, including the K’nar, Ta Krabei and Ta Mone temples.
The ministry rejected what it called an attempt to “legalise, normalise, or legitimise” activities it characterised as an unlawful exercise of authority on Cambodian cultural heritage sites.
It asserted that the three temples fall within Cambodia’s sovereign territory as established under the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907, along with subsequent delimitation instruments recognised under international law.
According to the statement, the organisation of official ceremonies and tourism-related activities by Thai authorities at the sites amounts to “an unlawful act and a grave violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
The ministry also accused Thailand of attempting to create a “fait accompli on the ground”, alleging that such actions are designed to consolidate control and generate what it called false factual and legal claims over Cambodian territory.
“Such conduct represents a deliberate attempt to progressively fabricate false claims aimed at the unlawful incorporation of Cambodian territory into Thailand’s domestic framework,” the statement said.
Phnom Penh the legality of the activities, arguing that under international law, including Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, no unilateral action can alter sovereignty or territorial status.
“The Kingdom of Cambodia considers these actions a serious escalation and places on record its complete non-recognition and non-acquiescence,” the statement added, describing the acts as “null, void, and without legal effect”.
The ministry called on the Thai government to cease all activities at the sites and avoid any further actions that could heighten tensions or undermine peaceful resolution efforts.
It urged both sides to adhere to international law and pursue diplomatic channels to resolve the issue without further escalation.
Cambodia reiterated its commitment to defending its territorial integrity and cultural heritage, stating that it would continue to pursue peaceful legal and diplomatic measures in response to the situation. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
