Bangkok: Cambodian authorities have provided an explanation regarding the incident at Ta Muen Thom temple, highlighting inappropriate behavior by Thai soldiers, which displeased a female Cambodian tourist. Social media has identified the woman as the granddaughter of former King Sihanouk.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense released an official statement concerning the event that took place at Ta Muen Thom Temple. Lt. Gen. Mali Socheta, Permanent Secretary and Ministry Spokesperson, explained that the incident stemmed from the conduct of Thai soldiers at the temple entrance, which upset a Cambodian woman. The woman claimed that Thai soldiers barred Cambodian tourists from entering the temple area, leading to a heated exchange. The argument escalated, prompting both Cambodian and Thai soldiers to converge on the scene. The situation caused temporary chaos, but both parties eventually dispersed without violence. Subsequently, soldiers from both nations convened to negotiate and ease tensions, restoring normalcy.
Social media users have been actively investigating the identity of the Cambodian woman involved in the incident. The Facebook page “Surin Community” shared a photo with the caption referring to her as “Norodom Pan Monica,” a figure praised by Cambodian netizens for her bravery. The post identified her as the daughter of music professor Keo Plan and the granddaughter of the late King Norodom Sihanouk.
In a related development, the Cambodian Customs and Excise Department announced that business operators and the public could continue importing goods from Thailand, except for vegetables, fruits, and five types of fuel: gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG and LNG), and commercial aircraft fuel. The department clarified that goods could be transported via ports or other border crossings, excluding the Thai-Cambodian land borders closed by the Thai military. The ban on importing vegetables and fruits, in place since June 17, will persist until the Thai military reopens all border crossings.