Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has clarified recent reports surrounding an incident involving a Cambodian woman at the Ta Muen Thom temple, asserting that there is no evidence to suggest she is a soldier. The altercation, which took place on 15 July 2025, has been described as a misunderstanding rather than a calculated military maneuver.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Thai Army’s Deputy Spokesperson, Colonel Richa Suksuwanon, addressed the situation at a press briefing at the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. The confrontation between Cambodian tourists and Thai military officers occurred at Prasat Ta Muen Thom, located in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province. The incident was triggered when a Cambodian female tourist accused Thai officers of encroaching on Cambodian sovereignty, prompting a response from both Thai and Cambodian military personnel in the area to mediate the situation.
The Royal Thai Army has investigated the matter thoroughly, stating that the temple is within Thai sovereignty and denying any encroachment on Cambodian territory. To prevent the situation from escalating, officials temporarily cleared the temple area, ensuring the safety of all tourists present. The situation concluded amicably, with both parties reaching a mutual understanding.
The Royal Thai Army expressed gratitude to Thai citizens visiting the temple, highlighting its significance in preserving cultural heritage and boosting tourism and the domestic economy. They also thanked the public for their continued support of military personnel, emphasizing their crucial role in maintaining peace and protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
Colonel Richa addressed speculations about the incident being a deliberate move by Cambodia to test Thai military strength, noting that such observations are routine and not necessarily factual. The intelligence unit’s continuous evaluation of military forces and strategies is standard practice.
In response to inquiries about the Cambodian woman being a soldier, Colonel Richa clarified that there is no evidence to support such claims, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.