Culture ministry protests Thai actions at Ta Krabei Temple, claims violations of international law
Photo: Thai workers prepare a concrete path to Ta Krabei Temple. FB
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The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has issued a strong protest against Thailand’s continued actions at Ta Krabei Temple. The ministry has accused the Thai military of shelling the ancient site – located within Cambodian sovereign territory – before illegally occupying it and carrying out construction activities.
In a January 22 statement, the ministry warned that the temple suffered near-total destruction as a result of shelling by Thai forces.
“Ta Krabei Temple is a precious archaeological site that has long been preserved and protected by Cambodia’s cultural institutions. The temple is also a sacred site of worship, revered in accordance with the beliefs, traditions and customs of the Cambodian people since time immemorial,” it said.
The statement follows an earlier January 2 protest by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which reiterated Phnom Penh’s position that Thailand’s actions constitute serious violations of international law.
The culture ministry said it “categorically opposes” the use of armed force to invade or occupy the temple and rejected any infrastructure projects or activities that alter the status of the area.
According to the ministry, such actions breach fundamental and peremptory principles of international law that prohibit the acquisition or occupation of territory through the use of force.
It warned that damage to Ta Krabei Temple represents not only an assault on Cambodia’s territorial integrity but also an irreversible loss to cultural heritage.
“The ministry considers such acts of aggression to constitute a serious violation of the fundamental and peremptory principles of international law, which prohibit the acquisition or occupation of territory by the use of force,” explained a ministry press release.
The ministry called on Thailand to immediately cease all destructive activities and construction projects in and around the temple and urged Bangkok to pursue a peaceful resolution of border issues.
It stressed that any dialogue must fully respect the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907, which Cambodia maintains clearly define the border in the area.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
