Phnom Penh Calls Thai Temple Registration ‘Illegal and Baseless’
Phnom Penh Calls Thai Temple Registration ‘Illegal and Baseless’
PHNOM PENH, May 13, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has strongly protested Thailand’s decision to register several ancient temple sites along the disputed border in Thailand’s national register of monuments, calling the move illegal and a violation of Cambodian sovereignty.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry rejected Thailand’s registration of the Tamone Temple Complex, Ta Krabey Temple, K’Nar Temple and other archaeological sites that Cambodia says are situated within its sovereign territory.
The ministry said the unilateral action was “illegal, null, and without legal effect,” adding that such registration could not serve as evidence of territorial sovereignty or border delimitation.
Cambodia stressed that border demarcation issues between the two countries must be resolved in accordance with international law, including the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty and existing bilateral mechanisms such as the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2003 Terms of Reference and the Joint Boundary Commission process.
The ministry described Thailand’s registration effort as an unlawful attempt to create “an artificial legal appearance” over cultural sites located in Cambodian territory.
“This action constitutes a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermines the spirit of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between the two countries,” the statement said.
The Cambodian government called on Thailand to immediately withdraw the registration and refrain from further unilateral actions that could undermine efforts toward a peaceful settlement of border issues.
Cambodia also reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all outstanding disputes peacefully and in full respect of international law and bilateral mechanisms.
The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Cambodia and Thailand over border and maritime disputes in recent weeks.
