Tourist visitors from Cambodia should adhere strictly to Thai legal regulations, echoes the advice from the commander of the Second Army Area.
In the Surin province of Thailand, two ancient temples - Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Kwai - have become the center of a heated dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. These temples, which form part of Thailand's heritage, have been the site of escalating tensions and armed clashes, making the area highly volatile for tourists.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand's Second Army Area, has urged all foreign tourists to comply with Thai law when visiting these temples. He has also expressed his pleasure at seeing many Cambodian tourists and welcomed them, along with tourists from other countries, to explore the temples if the situation permits.
However, due to the ongoing military conflict, Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia, and foreign tourists are currently not permitted or strongly advised against visiting these temple sites. The border closures and conflict have severely restricted access to the disputed temples, including Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Ta Kwai Temple, and Preah Vihear temple. These temples are located in contested zones with no clear demarcation of sovereignty, leading to military patrols, clashes, and restrictions on public or tourist access.
Recent incidents, such as armed clashes on 24 July 2025, have further intensified the situation. The aim is to keep the archaeological sites peaceful and accessible to all visitors. Military personnel have been assigned to facilitate visits to these temples and ensure the rules are observed.
The warning was issued in response to reports of large groups of Cambodian tourists visiting these temples in several buses. Boonsin also promoted a friendly hosting campaign, although details about the campaign were not provided in the article. Despite the challenges, Boonsin emphasized that all foreign tourists must follow the regulations set by the Second Army Area.
These temples, once symbols of shared history and cultural exchange, have unfortunately become symbols of nationalist pride, intensifying the dispute and transforming these historical landmarks into flashpoints for conflict. It is hoped that diplomatic efforts will resolve the situation, allowing these temples to once again become accessible to all visitors who wish to learn from and appreciate their rich history.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3
- Despite the political tension and ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Surin province of Thailand, Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang of the Second Army Area urges all foreign tourists to comply with Thai law when visiting the disputed ancient temples, Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Prasat Ta Kwai, while welcoming tourists from various countries, including Cambodia.
- In light of the increased incidents of crime-and-justice and military clashes in the area, News Source 1, News Source 2, and News Source 3 have warned foreign tourists to avoid visiting the disputed temples, underscoring their concern for tourist safety and the volatile general-news situation in the region.
