Thais Must Not be Allowed to Use Restoration to Justify a Claim

Thai people recently held a religious ceremony at Ta Krabei Temple. Social media

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In response to today’s reporting by Khaosod English that Thailand will allocate 20 million baht (approximately $615,000) to restore the Ta Krabei Temple, Cambodia must state its position unequivocally: it does not oppose cultural preservation, but it rejects any attempt to use restoration as a pretext to reinforce a territorial claim.

On a colonial map made by the French under the Franco-Siamese Treaty, Ta Krabei was located in Cambodian territory, and now it lies within a disputed area. Proceeding with unilateral restoration while sovereignty remains unsettled is not a neutral act — it carries legal and political implications that cannot be ignored.

Without a clear ruling from the International Court of Justice, such investment risks being not only premature but also legally questionable. Thailand should respect internationally recognised maps and established legal principles instead of creating facts on the ground.

It must also not be forgotten that the temple has suffered severe damage from artillery shelling by Thai armed forces. This historical reality further undermines the credibility of any unilateral restoration effort.

Restoration must not be weaponised as a political tool. It cannot be used to legitimise claims, alter perceptions or pre-empt legal outcomes. Any such attempt risks eroding trust and undermining the rule of law.

Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.

-Phnom Penh Post-