(Bangkok/Phnom Penh, 23rd) – The Thai military has warned that if Cambodia does not properly manage Cambodian citizens disturbing the order at a temple with ongoing sovereignty disputes, Thailand will close the temple for seven days.
The commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, Bunsing, said on Tuesday (July 22) that Thailand welcomes tourists from all countries to visit Ta Muen Thom temple, but they must obey Thai regulations. If any disturbances or altercations occur, the temple will be closed for seven days to restore order.
Both Thailand and Cambodia claim sovereignty over the Ta Muen Thom temple.
Bunsing said: "I have made it clear to the Cambodian side that Cambodia must manage its people... If any disturbances or provocations occur, this will be considered poor management, and I will take action to ensure the situation is brought under control."
Bunsing also called on Cambodia to strictly screen visitors, especially those linked to groups known for disturbing order or hardline stances, and suggested limiting daily visitors to no more than 100 people.
On the same day, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded on Facebook, saying: "In areas or locations where there are disputes or sovereignty has yet to be clearly defined, neither side has the right to take unilateral action or implement unilateral measures. All actions must first be agreed upon by both sides."
Addressing Thailand’s allegations following a leaked phone call, which accused Cambodia of interfering in Thai internal affairs and planting landmines in disputed areas, Hun Manet flatly rejected the claims as groundless, adding, "It is neither moral nor honest to blame others."
The commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region, Bunsing, said on Tuesday (July 22) that Thailand welcomes tourists from all countries to visit Ta Muen Thom temple, but they must obey Thai regulations. If any disturbances or altercations occur, the temple will be closed for seven days to restore order.
Both Thailand and Cambodia claim sovereignty over the Ta Muen Thom temple.
Bunsing said: "I have made it clear to the Cambodian side that Cambodia must manage its people... If any disturbances or provocations occur, this will be considered poor management, and I will take action to ensure the situation is brought under control."
Bunsing also called on Cambodia to strictly screen visitors, especially those linked to groups known for disturbing order or hardline stances, and suggested limiting daily visitors to no more than 100 people.
On the same day, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet responded on Facebook, saying: "In areas or locations where there are disputes or sovereignty has yet to be clearly defined, neither side has the right to take unilateral action or implement unilateral measures. All actions must first be agreed upon by both sides."
Addressing Thailand’s allegations following a leaked phone call, which accused Cambodia of interfering in Thai internal affairs and planting landmines in disputed areas, Hun Manet flatly rejected the claims as groundless, adding, "It is neither moral nor honest to blame others."