Thailand’s Second Army Region and Fine Arts Office 10 in Nakhon Ratchasima on 22 January carried out an inspection of Prasat Ta Khwai in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, ahead of planned restoration work.
Thai officials said the inspection findings would be submitted for further discussion and approval of related actions. Temporary supports were installed to prevent structural collapse, and access routes were opened to transport fallen stone fragments for assessment prior to restoration and repair.
The Second Army Region said it was advised by the Fine Arts Office to avoid entering or approaching the main structure due to safety concerns, warning that the temple remains structurally unstable and at risk of collapse.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has protested the Thai actions at the site, known in Cambodia as Prasat Ta Krabei, accusing Thailand of using armed force to occupy the temple and alter the status of the area.
In a statement, the ministry said the actions violate fundamental principles of international law that prohibit the acquisition or occupation of territory by force. It called on Thailand to halt all activities and projects in and around the temple, which Cambodia says lies within its sovereign territory, and urged a peaceful resolution in line with the Franco–Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907.
