Cambodia Says Thai Presence at Ta Krabey Temple Violates Sovereignty
Cambodia Says Thai Presence at Ta Krabey Temple Violates Sovereignty
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religion has strongly protested what it described as continued illegal religious activities by Thai authorities and civilians at Ta Krabey Temple, saying the site and surrounding area lie within Cambodian sovereign territory.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the ministry accused Thai officials of organizing public gatherings, religious ceremonies, visits and related activities despite repeated formal protests from Phnom Penh.
It said the actions amounted to a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that the activities undermined ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully through bilateral mechanisms.
The ministry also criticized the presence of senior Thai officials and Thai nationals at Ta Krabey Temple on April 22, saying their involvement reinforced what it called unlawful actions and weakened negotiations aimed at easing tensions.
Cambodia said the activities violated historical treaties and agreements, including the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, subsequent border demarcation instruments, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2003 Terms of Reference, the U.N. Charter and principles of international law.
Phnom Penh called on Bangkok to immediately cease religious ceremonies and other activities at Ta Krabey Temple and other areas Cambodia says fall under its jurisdiction.
“Cambodia reiterates its firm commitment to resolving the issue peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the Joint Boundary Commission,” the statement said.
The latest protest comes amid renewed diplomatic sensitivity over border issues between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, with both sides recently emphasizing dialogue while also asserting competing territorial claims in several frontier areas.
Thailand had no immediate public response to the Cambodian statement.
Ta Krabey Temple, located near the Cambodia-Thailand border, has long been one of several sensitive sites tied to overlapping historical claims and periodic diplomatic friction between the two countries.
