Authorities disseminate misleading temple news report
The Thai government has officially debunked claims that the Fine Arts Department has authorized the demolition of ancient temples or historical sites near the Thai-Cambodian border for military purposes. This denial comes after a series of reports circulated online, sparking concern and confusion among the public.
Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak clarified that such actions would be disrespectful to the nation and violate international conservation standards. He emphasized that historical sites are invaluable cultural heritage for humanity and their destruction would significantly damage Thailand’s reputation globally.
Mr. Anukool further stated that the Fine Arts Department has never supported or approved the destruction of any heritage site for military purposes or any other reason. He also warned the public to verify news before sharing to prevent the spread of false information.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has indeed found that a false claim about the demolition of heritage sites has gained public interest. In response, the government has issued a warning against circulating false information online.
Additionally, Mr. Anukool urged the public to be vigilant and not to believe in unverified reports. He suggested that allowing historical sites to be demolished would negatively impact Thailand's global image and credibility.
It's worth noting that a report stating the arrest of a Cambodian spy in Chanthaburi province, who allegedly possessed drones and electronic devices for targeting the Royal Thai Air Force's Wing 5 base, was also found to be false.
In a nutshell, the circulating reports about temple demolitions for military use near the border are confirmed false by multiple official sources in August 2025. The Thai government stands firm in its commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and maintaining its global reputation.
The Thai government's denial of temple demolitions for military purposes reflects their stance in 'politics', as they prioritize preserving cultural heritage to maintain a positive 'general-news' image and global reputation. The circulating reports about such demolitions have been debunked, highlighting the importance of 'crime-and-justice' in verifying news before sharing to prevent the spread of false information.
