SURIN — Bullet marks, abandoned military supplies and traces of wartime occupation remain visible at Prasat Khana, an ancient temple complex along the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, as Thai authorities prepare for future restoration work following recent border clashes.
On 19 June, Lt. Gen. Weerayut Raksilp, commander of the 2nd Army Region, and Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, led journalists on a tour of the site in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, to inspect the aftermath of military operations during the second round of fighting late last year.
One of the first locations shown to reporters was a former Cambodian military supply area, where large quantities of canned food, including rice and fish, were found. Officials said the supplies indicated Cambodian troops had been prepared to remain at the site for extended periods during the conflict.
Reporters were also shown Cambodian-language graffiti carved into a stone slab reading “Kampuchea Thmey,” or “New Cambodia,” which officials said matched the name of a Facebook page used by Cambodian soldiers for posting content and livestreaming while they controlled the area.
Nearby, remnants of what officials described as a field kitchen used to support military commanders were also found.
The delegation later paid tribute to 2nd Lt. Therdsak Srilachai, a Thai soldier killed during operations to secure access routes to the temple. Army officials said he continued carrying out his mission despite coming under heavy BM-21 rocket fire and other supporting attacks, allowing Thai forces to eventually capture and secure the objective.
Journalists were also shown a “victory flag” erected by Thai troops after the site was retaken. The flag stands near sacred Hindu relics, including a lingam and yoni.
Prasat Khana also bears visible scars from the fighting. Bullet impacts can still be seen on trees around the temple complex, while other damage remains under assessment.
A wooden staircase consisting of 1,181 steps, previously used by Cambodian visitors and troops to access the temple, was largely destroyed during the fighting. Army officials said approximately 250 metres of the 450-metre structure were burned and destroyed, leaving only about 200 metres intact. The area is now secured with double layers of barbed wire.
Officials said much of the site has been left untouched since it was recaptured, both to preserve evidence of the conflict and to serve as a memorial to the hardships faced by Thai troops.
Believed to be a Hindu sanctuary dating back roughly 1,100 years, Prasat Khana contains the remains of brick structures enclosed by a laterite wall measuring approximately 39.5 metres on each side. Archaeologists believe the temple was constructed around the 15th Buddhist century.
The Fine Arts Department has collected 28 artefacts, including Garuda carvings and stone architectural elements, for study and future restoration. Officials said little is known about the temple’s original appearance, and research is ongoing to determine its historical layout and artistic features.
The area is currently under the control of a ranger task force attached to the 2nd Army Region.