Army commander warns of temple closure if Thai-Cambodian tourist clashes continue

Army Region 2 commander, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, vowed today to ban all tourists, temporarily, from visiting the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district, if tensions between Thai and Cambodian visitors escalate.

His statement comes amid a series of altercations between tourists from both sides of the border at the site. Lt Gen Boonsin said visitors from all countries are welcome, but they must comply with Thai laws, adding, however, that “if any further clashes or physical altercations occur, the temple will be closed for at least a week to restore order.”

Police, military rangers and crowd control units are currently deployed at the site, with weapons checks being conducted before tourists enter the temple grounds.

His warning follows a recent confrontation at Ta Muen Thom, involving tourists and soldiers from both sides. A verbal exchange between a Cambodian tourist and Thai soldiers escalated into a quarrel between troops last week, prompting authorities to evacuate the area and temporarily suspend temple visits.

Tourists from both nations have, from time to time, been seen attempting to provoke one another. They wear national flags and other symbols to assert their identities.

Lt Gen Boonsin revealed that Cambodia has requested that the site remain open.

He has discussed the issue with his Cambodian counterpart, Maj Gen Nea Vong, commander of Cambodia’s 42nd Infantry Division, stressing that both countries must be able to control their own citizens.

If Cambodian authorities fail to do so, he said, a seven-day partial closure would be enforced to deescalate tensions, with a cap of 100 visitors per day.

The general made the remarks during a ceremony, being held to receive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, worth over 10 million baht, donated by activist Panthep Puapongpan on behalf of the ‘Guarding the Land Foundation’.

Political activists Nititorn Lamlua and Jatuporn Prompan, representing the ‘United National Power to Defend Sovereignty’ group, also attended the event.

On the issue of border demarcation, Lt Gen Boonsin acknowledged ongoing tensions at the Ta Muen Thom temple complex, where Cambodia does not recognise Thai claims.

He warned that fencing could lead to armed confrontation, unless the area is first secured to prevent a public backlash. He also addressed recent concerns about landmines along the border, stating that, although Cambodia denies responsibility, Thailand is fully aware of the situation.

Any diplomatic response, he said, would be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to avoid damaging Cambodia’s international standing. The army has already issued a formal protest and will no longer conduct traditional foot patrols in the area. Instead, it will use tractors to clear the terrain and investigate whether additional mines are present.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warned Thailand not to cross the “red line,” reiterating that Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of its territory, according to the Khmer Times today.

He said his warning came as Thailand continues to take unilateral actions in disputed border areas, such as road construction in the Mom Bei area and allegations related to recent landmine explosions.

Hun Manet took to social media on July 22, stating that Thai political and military leaders, as well as media outlets, have recently levelled baseless accusations against Cambodia — including claims of interference in Thailand’s internal affairs and the planting of landmines.

He emphasised that in areas under dispute, or where sovereignty has not been clearly determined, no party has the right to take unilateral action. All measures must be mutually agreed upon by both sides in advance.

“The red line remains the red line, unchanged. Do not violate it. Cambodia does not infringe on anyone, but Cambodia will not allow anyone to infringe upon it. Cambodia has sufficient capability and is fully prepared to defend itself and its territorial integrity, by all means, against any violations,” he said.

He added that Thailand’s approach of “spitting blood on others” is neither ethical nor honest — a reference to a Khmer saying meaning to blame others for the consequences of one’s own actions. He said such tactics should not be used if both countries genuinely aim to build mutual trust.