A spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has rejected claims made by the Thai Army regarding an incident at Ta Moan Thom Temple on the morning of June 22 when approximately 150 Thai cyclists, led by three Thai soldiers, entered the temple without prior notification to Cambodian authorities.
The spokesperson stated that the Thai Army’s claim of having informed the Cambodian military is untrue. The Cambodian military received no notification from Thailand, either verbally or through official channels, regarding the visit.
They emphasised that if the Thai military genuinely acted with integrity and without ill intent, they should have conducted their actions transparently and in accordance with the agreements between the two countries, which clearly outline the timing and conditions for accessing the temple.
According to the ministry, both Thai and Cambodian military authorities have agreed to allow access to the temple from 9am to 3pm. In special cases, citizens from both sides may enter earlier or stay later, provided they notify the other party. However, on June 22, the Thai group entered at 7.30am, without prior notice.
The ministry stated that Cambodian forces addressed the visitors appropriately, with courtesy and professionalism. Cambodian troops reminded the Thai military that entering without prior agreement violated the bilateral agreement and urged Thailand to adhere to these conditions.
Despite the violation, Cambodian forces allowed the group to take photos and leave the area peacefully, demonstrating patience, responsibility and a sincere desire to avoid unnecessary tension.
“The Thai Army spokesperson’s claim that this issue may have stemmed from a misunderstanding in internal communication between the Cambodian military and its government is utterly irresponsible and deviates from the professional ethics of a spokesperson, whose role is to provide truthful, evidence-based information,” said the ministry spokesperson.
They suggested that such claims were an attempt to cover up the Thai military’s mistake in violating the agreement, refusing to take responsibility and instead accusing the Cambodian military with the intent to mislead their own public.
“In this regard, the Royal Government, the military, and the people of the Kingdom of Cambodia stand united in their commitment to protecting territorial integrity at all costs,” they continued.
According to the spokesperson, Ta Moan Thom Temple lies within Cambodia’s sovereign territory, based on a 1/200,000 scale map, in line with the spirit of the 1904 Franco-Siamese Convention and the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty. Cambodia’s Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are committed to maintaining and promoting peace, stability and good neighbourly relations but will absolutely not allow any country to encroach upon its territory.
