AKP Phnom Penh, April 22, 2026 — 

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia has reiterated its strongest protest against the continued unlawful presence and activities of Thai authorities at Ta Krabey Temple, a site which lies within its sovereign territory.

The following is the full statement of the Ministry issued Wednesday:

“Following its formal communications dated 30 January, 13 April 2026, and 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia reiterates its strongest protest against the continued unlawful presence and activities of Thai authorities and affiliated individuals at Ta Krabey Temple and its surrounding areas, which lie within the sovereign territory of Cambodia.

Despite repeated and formal protests by the Royal Government of Cambodia, Thai authorities have persisted in organizing public gatherings, facilitating visits, and undertaking related activities at the site. These actions constitute a serious violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and amount to an unlawful exercise of jurisdiction.

The Ministry expresses its grave concern over recent developments, including reported infrastructure works and the continued presence of Thai authorities, which contribute to the creation of a fait accompli on the ground. Such actions are in direct contravention of the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907, its related delimitation and demarcation instruments, including the maps at scale 1:200,000 and the Procès-Verbaux of the Commissions of Delimitation and Demarcation, and the Commission of Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as the MOU 2000, the TOR 2003, the Charter of the United Nations, and fundamental principles of international law. They also run counter to the mandate and spirit of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

The Ministry further strongly protests the presence of senior Thai officials, including the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Defense, at Ta Krabey Temple, as well as the organization of activities at the site on 22 April 2026. Such high-level involvement reinforces the unlawful character of these actions, and undermines ongoing efforts toward a peaceful and negotiated settlement.

The Ministry urges the Royal Thai Government to immediately cease all activities at the site, withdraw all personnel, and refrain from any actions. Cambodia remains firmly committed to the peaceful settlement of dispute including all established bilateral mechanisms, in particular the JBC.”

AKP