Cambodia Protests Thai Activities at Disputed Cultural Sites

PHNOM PENH, May 17, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has lodged a strong protest accusing Thailand of violating its sovereignty by staging public events, religious ceremonies and tourism activities at temple sites Phnom Penh insists lie entirely within its territory.

In a statement Saturday, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts condemned recent Thai activities at K’nar Temple and reaffirmed that the site, along with Tamone Thom and Ta Krabey Temples, falls under Cambodian sovereignty under the Franco‑Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and related boundary instruments recognized under international law.

The ministry said official ceremonies and tourism events organized by Thai authorities constituted “an unlawful act and a grave violation” of Cambodia’s sovereignty. It described the moves as an attempt to create a “fait accompli” aimed at consolidating occupation and fabricating claims to support what it called the unlawful incorporation of Cambodian territory.

Phnom Penh declared it rejects any effort to legitimize or normalize the occupation, stressing that under international law, including Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, territory cannot be acquired by force. It said all Thai activities at the temples are “null, void and without legal effect.”

Cambodia urged Thailand to halt its actions, withdraw measures it described as unlawful and avoid steps that could heighten tensions or undermine peaceful dispute resolution. The ministry warned the situation marked a “serious escalation” and reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to defend sovereignty, safeguard cultural heritage and pursue peaceful legal and diplomatic measures.

Officials said Cambodia remains determined to protect its cultural sites and will continue to press its case through international law and diplomacy.