Culture minister insists Ta Kwai temple belongs to Thailand, orders urgent repairs

2026-02-06 - 09:46

BANGKOK — Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth said on 6 February 2026 that Ta Kwai temple and the Ta Muen temple complex are Thai antiquities and that urgent restoration will proceed, citing severe damage after Cambodian forces allegedly used the site as a military base. Speaking at a press briefing at the National Museum, Phra Nakhon, Sabida rejected Cambodia’s protest urging Thailand to halt restoration works, saying the sites are located on Thai territory and fall under Thailand’s legal authority. She said Ta Muen Thom and Ta Muen Tot were officially registered as Thai antiquities in 1935, with restoration approved and completed between 1990 and 1996 without objection from Cambodia. The Fine Arts Department, she added, must act swiftly to prevent further damage to cultural heritage of global significance. According to Sabida, recent clashes left clear evidence that Ta Kwai temple was used as a military position, violating international principles prohibiting the use of historical monuments for military purposes. After a ceasefire and Thailand re-established control of the area, extensive damage was found at Ta Kwai and signs of damage at the Ta Muen complex. She said the Fine Arts Department has begun surveys to prepare for immediate restoration, working with the 2nd Army Region, as large numbers of landmines planted in and around the temples pose major obstacles. Preliminary findings show Ta Kwai temple has suffered severe structural damage and requires urgent restoration, she said.