Cambodia Condemns Damage to Temple Staircase, Rejects Thai Tourism Plans

PHNOM PENH, June 5, 2026 (KPT) — The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia on Friday condemned what it described as the destruction of a wooden staircase at K’nar Temple by Thai military personnel and rejected Thailand’s plans to stage tourism and religious activities at Ta Krabey Temple.

The ministry said the staircase, built in 2017 with 1,181 wooden steps stretching 325 metres, was designed to support conservation and improve access for visitors, researchers and local communities.

It described the reported demolition as a serious act of damage to cultural heritage and part of broader efforts to alter conditions on the ground and undermine evidence of Cambodia’s long‑standing administration of the site.

Cambodia also protested against Thailand’s plans to open Ta Krabey Temple to visitors on June 6‑7, including ticketing and ceremonies.

Cambodia considers both Ta Krabey and K’nar temples to lie within its sovereign territory, citing the Franco‑Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and other instruments recognised under international law.

The ministry said any tourism or administrative activity by Thai authorities at Ta Krabey would be unlawful and could create a misleading impression of control.

“The Ministry firmly rejects any attempt to legitimize or normalize the unlawful occupation of Cambodian territory through tourism, cultural, religious, or administrative activities,” the statement read.

It called on Thailand to halt all activities at the temples, refrain from damaging cultural heritage and respect obligations under international law. Cambodia said it remained committed to protecting sovereignty and heritage through peaceful legal and diplomatic means.