Phnom penh: The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has firmly rejected the baseless and arrogant claims made by certain Thai media, military personnel, and civilians who assert that Ta Krabei Temple lies within Thailand's sovereignty.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the ministry emphasized in a statement that these claims are a distortion and complete misrepresentation of reality, as the Thai side has relied on unilateral maps that hold no legal value under international law. Cambodia reaffirms that Ta Krabei Temple, located geographically on Dang Rek Mountain, in Monorom Senchey village, Kok Khpos commune, Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, lies entirely within Cambodian territory and sovereignty. This position is based on legally recognized maps acknowledged by the international community.
The Ministry of National Defence stressed the need for Thailand to cooperate with Cambodia in bringing the cases of Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and the Three-Point Border Area (Mom Bei) before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to definitively determine the ownership of Ta Krabei Temple.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that Thai soldiers have prohibited Cambodian civilians from using Krama, a Cambodian traditional scarf, with the Cambodian national flag stitched on it, while simultaneously allowing Thai citizens to wear clothing and accessories displaying the Thai flag openly. Such actions violate previously agreed bilateral arrangements. Cambodian citizens have every right to wear attire and use items bearing the Cambodian national flag when visiting Ta Krabei Temple, as doing so does not breach any mutual agreements.
The ministry reported that a Thai tourist reacted aggressively and attempted to use violence against a Cambodian tourist who was calmly explaining that Ta Krabei Temple lies fully within Cambodian territory and questioned why Thai citizens could display their flag while Cambodians were being restricted.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to honoring the bilateral agreements in a strict and responsible manner as a good neighbor. It emphasized that Thailand must also adhere to these agreed-upon terms consistently to avoid creating tension or incidents that neither side wishes to see.