BANGKOK — Thai military officials have clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing approximately 30 Cambodian tourists singing and recording videos at the Ta Kwai Temple in Bak Dai subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province.
The incident has sparked criticism amid rising nationalist tensions between the two countries following a brief military clash on March 28.
On June 20, Army spokesman Colonel Winthai Suwari explained that the Army received reports from Suranaree Command that the incident occurred on June 18 at approximately 1:00 p.m. The Cambodian tourist group was observed taking photographs, recording videos, and singing within the premises. Thai military personnel promptly intervened in a courteous and appropriate manner, engaging in diplomatic dialogue to foster mutual understanding.
“We explained that such symbolic expressions in the area were inconsistent with the guidelines and mutual agreements previously discussed by both sides. We requested cooperation to refrain from such behavior. The Cambodian tourist group showed understanding and voluntarily ceased their activities before departing the area, spending approximately 20 minutes at the site,” the Army spokesman said.
He added that the incident concluded peacefully, with discussions conducted in a positive atmosphere consistent with the cooperative framework upheld by both sides. In accordance with the bilateral agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, Ta Kwai Temple area permits the deployment of unarmed military personnel to facilitate services for civilians visiting the historical site.
Meanwhile, a video clip circulated showing an incident at Ta Muen Thom Temple in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, on June 19 at approximately 10:00 a.m. A Cambodian man brought about 15 Buddhist monks and other Cambodians to block the entrance gate to the temple in a symbolic demonstration. They told Thai people they would not be allowed to enter or cross the GPS marker.
This prompted Thai military personnel and administrative officials stationed at the location to immediately intervene and warn them to stop this action. Cambodian authorities also joined in issuing warnings, causing the group to immediately return to the Cambodian side.
Both Ta Kwai Temple and Ta Muen Thom Temple are part of four disputed areas that Cambodia has submitted to the International Court of Justice. The other two disputed sites are Ta Muen Tot Temple in Surin province and the Emerald Triangle area in Ubon Ratchathani province. Cambodia seeks a ruling that all four areas belong to Cambodia.
However, Thailand has declared it does not accept the ICJ’s jurisdiction. Technically, the court can only make rulings when Thailand first acknowledges the court’s jurisdiction, as these areas have never been subject to ICJ proceedings before.
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