AKP Phnom Penh, May 16, 2026 —

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia has issued a strong protest and categorical rejection of Thailand’s organisation of public events, religious ceremonies, and tourism activities at K’nar Temple located within its sovereign territory.

In a statement released on May 16, the Ministry reaffirmed that K’nar Temple, together with Tamone Thom and Ta Krabey temples, are historical and cultural sites situated entirely within Cambodian territory, as established under the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and related international delimitation instruments.

The Ministry stated that the organisation of official ceremonies, public gatherings, tourism activities, and other forms of administrative or symbolic acts by Thai authorities at these sites constitutes an unlawful act and a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the statement, such actions amount to an attempt to create a “fait accompli” on the ground and to reinforce occupation through activities intended to support false factual and legal claims over Cambodian territory.

The Ministry further stressed that Cambodia rejects any attempt to legitimise or normalise unlawful occupation through unilateral religious, cultural, administrative, or public activities.

Referring to international law, including Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations and principles concerning the inadmissibility of acquiring territory by force, the Ministry emphasised that no unilateral domestic action undertaken under occupation can alter Cambodia’s lawful sovereignty over the sites.

Cambodia also declared its complete non-recognition and non-acquiescence to all such acts, stating that the activities are “null, void, and without legal effect,” and cannot create any legal right, title, or claim for Thailand.

The Ministry called on the Royal Thai Government to immediately cease all activities at the temples, withdraw unlawful measures, and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions or undermine efforts toward a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, preserving its cultural heritage, and pursuing peaceful legal and diplomatic measures to protect its territorial integrity.

Par C. Nika