(Phnom Penh): On 6 July 2025, Cambodian Ministry of National Defence issued a press statement in response to claims made by certain Thai media outlets, military personnel, and civilians:

1. Cambodia firmly condemns the claims by some Thai media, military, and civilians asserting that Ta Krabei Temple falls under Thai sovereignty. Such claims are a complete distortion and misrepresentation of the truth, as the Thai side has relied on a unilaterally drawn and legally invalid map.

2. Cambodia reiterates that Ta Krabei Temple, located on Dang Rek Mountain in Monorom Saenchey Village, Kok Khpos Commune, Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province, lies entirely within Cambodian territory and sovereignty. This assertion is based on legally recognized maps acknowledged by the international community. To definitively determine ownership of the temple, the Thai side must cooperate with Cambodia to resolve the status of Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, and Ta Krabei Temple, and the Emerald Triangle Area through the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

3. Thai soldiers have prohibited Cambodians from using scarves featuring the Cambodian national flag design, while allowing Thai nationals to freely wear clothing and items prominently displaying the Thai flag. Such actions constitute a violation of previously agreed-upon bilateral arrangements.

4. Cambodian citizens have the right to wear clothing and use accessories featuring the Cambodian flag design when visiting Ta Krabei Temple, as doing so does not breach any agreements.

5. A Thai tourist became angry and attempted to resort to violence against a Cambodian tourist who was calmly explaining with factual reasoning that Ta Krabei Temple lies entirely within Cambodian territory. The Cambodian tourist also questioned why Thai citizens are allowed to use their national flag imagery while Cambodians are prohibited.

6. Cambodia remains committed to strictly and responsibly upholding the agreement as a good and close neighbour. Thailand must also adhere consistently to the established agreement to avoid creating tension or any incidents undesirable to both parties.
=FRESH NEWS