Army invites Thais to Surin temples amid Cambodia border ownership dispute

Second Army region commander, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, has invited Thai citizens to visit ancient temples in the north-eastern province of Surin, to appreciate their historical beauty and to help support local businesses.

“I wish to invite the Thai public to visit historic locations along the border, such as Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, and Prasat Ta Muen Tot,” he said.

“Please come and support local products and shops in the border districts, to boost tourism and the local economy,” he added.

The temples he mentioned are among those that Cambodia says are in disputed territory and has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to rule on their ownership.

Thailand insists that the temples lie within Thai territory and that it has never acknowledged the jurisdiction of the ICJ in this matter.

Lt Gen Boonsin said the Thai military continues to protect the border, as more members of the public have been visiting in recent weeks, offering gifts and moral support to the soldiers stationed there.

Ta Muen Thom Temple has recently been the centre of attention, following visits by Thai and Cambodian tourists.

In one incident, a large group of Cambodian visitors made a noisy and provocative visit to the temple area, prompting the Thai military to intervene to maintain order.

In another, a visit by members of a Thai cycling club raised concerns from the Cambodian side, leading to diplomatic communications between the two governments.

Boonsin, who is set to retire this September, entered the spotlight after the Thai prime minister was heard criticising him in a leaked conversation with Cambodia’s Hun Sen, referring to him as an opponent of the government.