AKP Phnom Penh, February 03, 2026 --

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia has formally lodged a strong protest with the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Thailand over activities carried out by Thai authorities at the Tamone Temple Complex and Ta Krabei Temple, according to a public announcement issued on Tuesday.

The Ministry reaffirmed that both temple sites are located entirely within Cambodia’s sovereign territory, as established by the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and their officially recognised maps, which remain valid under international law.

The announcement expressed grave concern over reports of serious damage and the near-total destruction of Ta Krabei Temple, describing the site as a sacred and historic monument that has been preserved for centuries and holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Khmer people.

Cambodia emphasised that it cannot accept any use of force against cultural and archaeological sites, any unilateral restoration, conservation, registration or construction activities conducted without Cambodia’s consent, or any actions that undermine the legal, historical and cultural status of the sites.

The Ministry has called on the Thai side to immediately cease all activities at the Tamone and Ta Krabei temple sites, to respect Cambodia’s sovereignty, and to resolve all related issues peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts reaffirmed Cambodia’s continued commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and to cooperation grounded in mutual respect, legality and the principles upheld by international organisations.

The Ta Krabei Temple destroyed by Thai military on Dec. 10, 2025

By C. Nika