Phnom penh: 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.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ministry issued a statement expressing its grave concern over the situation, following previous communications in January and April 2026. The Ministry highlighted that despite repeated protests by the Royal Government of Cambodia, Thai authorities have persisted in organizing public gatherings, facilitating visits, and undertaking related activities at the site, which it considers a serious violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement emphasized that these actions contravene the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 and its related delimitation and demarcation instruments, including maps and the Proc¨s-Verbaux of the Commissions of Delimitation and Demarcation. It also mentioned the MOU 2000, the TOR 2003, the Charter of the United Nations, and fundamental principles of international law, noting that they run counter to the mandate and spirit of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

The Ministry protested the presence of senior Thai officials, including the Minister of Culture and the Minister of Defense, at Ta Krabey Temple, and activities organized at the site on April 22, 2026. Such high-level involvement was described as reinforcing the unlawful character of these actions and undermining efforts toward a peaceful and negotiated settlement.

The Ministry urged the Royal Thai Government to immediately cease all activities at the site, withdraw all personnel, and refrain from any actions, reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful settlement of disputes through established bilateral mechanisms, particularly the JBC.