Phnom penh: Cambodia has firmly opposed Thailand’s assertion that the Ta Kwai Temple is situated within Thai borders, criticizing Thailand’s actions that prevent Cambodians from wearing traditional clothing at the temple site.

According to Thai News Agency, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense issued a statement denouncing the claims by Thai media, military officials, and civilians that the Ta Kwai temple lies in Thai territory. The statement emphasized that these assertions are a misrepresentation, as Thailand relies on a map that holds no legal validity under international law. Cambodia maintains that the Ta Kwai temple is geographically located in the Dong Rak mountain range, within Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, entirely under Cambodian jurisdiction and sovereignty, as per internationally recognized laws.

The statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense also highlighted that Thai soldiers have barred Cambodian visitors from wearing Khmer-style loincloths or sarongs featuring the Cambodian flag at the Ta Kwai temple. In contrast, Thai tourists were permitted to wear attire with the Thai flag, a move seen as breaching existing bilateral agreements.