KhmerTimes-Sept 16, 2026
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has firmly rejected allegations by Thai authorities that Cambodia has used ancient temple sites for military purposes, describing the claims as unfounded attempts to distort information and deflect responsibility for damage to cultural heritage, according to the Ministry’s statement released yesterday. The ministry firmly rejects once again the unfounded allegations and claims recently made by relevant Thai authorities, particularly statements by Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Centre (JIC) Director Prapas Sonjaidee and Thai Fine Arts Department Director-General Mr Phanombut Chantharachote, alleging that Cambodia has used ancient temple sites for military purposes. The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts further considers these statements to constitute deliberate attempts to distort information, deflect responsibility for the destruction and damage of cultural heritage, and disseminate inaccurate information in a manner that could mislead the public. To date, certain cultural heritage sites, including Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and K’nar, remain illegally occupied by Thailand, which is attempting to create a fait accompli on the ground, including through the establishment of a purported legal framework aimed at asserting claims over these sites. Furthermore, many archaeological objects from K’nar Temple have been illegally removed by Thai authorities and taken to Thailand. In this regard, Cambodia categorically opposes Thailand’s unilateral activities at Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey and K’nar Temples, including the construction of infrastructure and electricity networks, the organization of tourism and religious activities, and restoration projects undertaken without Cambodia’s authorization. Such activities constitute attempts to consolidate an unlawful occupation and are contrary to international law.
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