The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued the following statement in brief:
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia would like to strongly protest and categorically reject the decision of the Department of Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Thailand to register the Ta Moan Temple Complex, Takrabei Temple, Knar Temple and other ancient sites along the border within Cambodian sovereignty in the National Register of Ancient Sites of Thailand.
This action is illegal, null and void and has no legal effect. Such registration has no legal basis and cannot be used as evidence to assert territorial sovereignty or as a tool for border demarcation. The issue of sovereignty and border demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand must be resolved with strict respect for international law, including the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and other relevant instruments, as well as through established bilateral mechanisms, in particular the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU 2000), the 2003 Master Plan (TOR 2003) and the jurisdiction of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) of the two sides.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts considers this registration as an illegal attempt to create a false legal form over a heritage site that is within the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia. This act violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia and undermines the spirit of peaceful resolution and mutual respect between the two countries.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts calls on the Royal Government of Thailand to immediately revoke this illegal registration and cease all unilateral actions that are affecting Cambodia’s efforts to peacefully resolve the issue.
The Kingdom of Cambodia remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues in full compliance with international law and established bilateral mechanisms.
Wednesday, 12th Rouch, Pesakh, Mami, 2570 B.E.
Phnom Penh, 13 May 2026
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