Thailand refuses Cambodia’s demand to return border-temple artefacts
Thailand’s culture minister rejected Cambodia’s demand for artefacts from a disputed border temple and announced a formal written response. Sabida Thaiseth said Thai officials had catalogued and moved the objects for safekeeping. Cambodia calls for their return and an end to unilateral activities at the sites; sovereignty and responsibility for damage remain contested.
Geopolitics··Midday
Sabida rejects the return demand
Thai Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth rejected Cambodia’s demand for the return of artefacts found at Prasat Khana, a temple along the Thai–Cambodian border. Responding on 25 October to Cambodia’s Culture and Fine Arts Ministry, she announced that Thailand would prepare a formal written explanation. Cambodia’s letter was dated 22 October.[1], [2]
Sabida said Prasat Khana and Prasat Ta Kwai, another border temple, were registered as historic sites under Thai law. She asserted that the objects belonged to Thailand and that Cambodia’s assertion, without clear evidence and legal entitlement, was insufficient grounds for their return. She cited historical and archaeological evidence. These are Thailand’s ownership and sovereignty claims in the dispute.[2]
Thai officials moved the objects after an inventory
According to Sabida, Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, the agency responsible for historic-site conservation, surveyed Prasat Khana with border patrol police in 2001. She said the team encountered no Cambodian soldiers or civilians and faced no Cambodian objection or obstruction during that survey.[2]
According to Sabida, Thai agencies looked after the area following fighting and a ceasefire. The department surveyed the artefacts, prepared an inventory and moved them to a secure location. She described the transfer as a measure to prevent loss, destruction or future damage.[1], [2]
Cambodia seeks an end to unilateral work
Cambodia objects to unilateral mine clearance, infrastructure and electricity work, restoration and construction at the sites. Its letter advocates bilateral mechanisms including the Joint Boundary Commission, the body for boundary discussions between the two countries. It also invokes obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.[1]
Cambodian authorities deny military use of the temples and accuse Thai forces of damaging cultural heritage. Sabida rejected allegations of military use or deliberate damage by Thai agencies. She said the written response would cover registration, earlier surveys, safekeeping and conservation plans. Damage assessment is to precede restoration. Sovereignty and responsibility for damage remain contested.[1]
