Online influencers rally followers to Ta Muen Thom this weekend

Large crowds are expected at Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district this weekend, as a number of Thai activist groups plan a visit, to show moral support for Thai soldiers stationed there.

They said they want to demonstrate the strength and patriotism of the Thai people.

The temple, of which Cambodia also claims ownership, has become a flashpoint for tensions between troops and citizens of both countries.

People from both sides have attempted to provoke incidents at the site, where soldiers from both nations are stationed face-to-face.

Both countries have mobilised supporters to visit the temple, as a symbolic assertion of ownership.

Several Cambodian groups have reportedly travelled from as far as Phnom Penh, singing national songs and wearing group T-shirts printed with Khmer lettering.

Thai social media crusader Kanthat Pongpaiboonvej, also known as ‘Kan Chompalang’, has used his social media platform to call on Thais to wear black and to gather at “Bunker 1”, at the foot of the temple this Saturday.

Kanthat was at the temple during a recent confrontation, when a Cambodian woman pointed her finger at a Thai soldier and scolded him, telling him to stay away from what, she claimed, is Cambodian land.

The situation quickly escalated, with troops from both sides rushing in, apparently attempting to de-escalate the tension, only to end up face-to-face. The two sides exchanged heated words and were seen pushing each other.

It was later reported that some Cambodian soldiers were overheard talking about bringing their weapons in. The Thai army then ordered the immediate evacuation of all tourists to safe zones and suspended all visits to the temple.

Kanthat posted about the chaos and the evacuation on his social media accounts.

“Je Aye,” an online influencer from Saraburi province, has also invited Thais to gather at the temple on Saturday.

Attention has, though, shifted to another online influencer, Mayrai Ratchada, known as the leader of a motorcycle racing group, infamous for causing disturbances wherever they travel.

His group is known for riding long distances, often without the opportunity to bathe.

Mayrai posted on his Facebook page yesterday, announcing that he and his team will travel to Ta Muen Thom Temple this Saturday, to provide moral support to the Thai soldiers and donate supplies.

“Let’s take a bath there,” he wrote.