Thailand put a series of disputed temples on the list of relics, Cambodia was outraged

The Royal Gazette of Thailand on May 12 said that the Department of Fine Arts of this country has officially included 9 historical relics in Surin province into the list of national ancient relics, including the Ta Muen, Ta Kwai and Nong Khana temple complexes located in the border area with Cambodia.

According to the Thai Fine Arts Department, the move aims to create a clearer legal basis to protect ancient relics according to the country’s heritage conservation law. The decision was approved by the department’s leader, Phanomboot Chanthachot, on April 9.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture on May 13 criticized Thailand, asking the neighboring country to “revoke the illegal registration decision” on relics located in the disputed border area between the two countries, including Tamone, Ta Krabey and K’nar temples. This is the name of Cambodia with Ta Muen, Ta Kwai and Nong Khana temples.

“Cambodia considers Thailand’s registration an illegal attempt to create a false legal cover for cultural heritage sites located within the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia,” the Cambodian Ministry of Culture said.

Thailand and Cambodia have long had disagreements over the demarcation of the 800 km long border, with many conflicts involving several ancient temples dating back centuries. Tensions broke out into conflicts in July and December 2025, killing dozens of people and forcing hundreds of thousands of people on both sides to evacuate.

Before the July 2025 conflict, Thai and Cambodian soldiers were both present at Ta Krabey and Tamone temples, while Phnom Penh controlled K’nar temple. But after the December 2025 war, Bangkok gained control of all three temples, along with a number of villages in the disputed area.

Thai officials last month held a ceremony at Ta Krabey, a move that faced opposition from Cambodia.