The situation at Ta Moan Thom Temple in an area where boundary delimitation has not been completed along the Cambodia-Thai border, has now stabilized, with no tensions reported. However, Thailand and Cambodia both continue to assert that the temple is within their respective territory.

According to The Nation, tensions flared last Thursday when a group of Cambodian soldiers visited Ta Moan Thom temple and filmed themselves singing the national anthem. The act led to a confrontation with Thai troops stationed there, with their army reportedly concerned that footage of the incident could later be used to support Cambodia’s territorial claims.

In response, the Thai Defence Minister told local media that the military had written a formal protest letter to the Cambodian Army, insisting that the temple was located on Thai grounds despite the unresolved border demarcation. He added that he would discuss the matter with the Thai Foreign Minister.

However, Cambodian authorities maintain that Ta Moan Thom is an ancient Khmer temple located in Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province, approximately 48 kilometers from Samrong city. The temple has been officially registered in the inventory of Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, reinforcing the country’s claim over the site.

While Thai authorities insist the temple is on Thai soil, Cambodia maintains that Ta Moan Thom is an ancient Khmer temple under Cambodian jurisdiction. “Ta Moan Temple is under Cambodian control,” Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada said. 

Chhum Socheat, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told CamboJA News that the ministry has not received any official protest letter from Thailand. He reaffirmed that the border situation remained “generally calm”, dismissing concerns allegedly fueled by Thai media, which he accused of “exaggerating” the incident.

Similarly, Chanyada said the provincial government also did not receive any formal communication from Thailand, confirming that the situation at the temple had returned to normal. “Border liaison officers from both countries also met and agreed to maintain calm,” he added. 

According to Thai media outlet Khaosod, Thai and Cambodian officials held discussions to strengthen bilateral relations and prevent future misunderstandings along the border. Both sides described the talks as amicable and concluded with a mutual commitment to maintaining stability. 

Historical tensions at the site are not new. In April 2011, a clash erupted between Cambodian and Thai soldiers near Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabey temples, with Thai troops initiating the attack on Cambodian forces. However, the parties downplayed the incident, as officials from both countries met to reaffirm commitments to stability.

The latest incident has reignited discussions on border sovereignty, with analysts calling for clearer communication from the Cambodian government and a potential international legal mechanism to resolve such disputes.

Em Sovannara, a political analyst based in Phnom Penh, said mediation efforts between Cambodia and Thailand are viewed as a positive move in preventing the conflict from escalating. 

That said, he emphasized the need for the Cambodian government to provide clearer information to the public to dispel doubts regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodia should seek an international judicial mechanism to resolve border disputes, he said, although he was skeptical about the effectiveness of such mechanisms based on past experiences.

While the Cambodia-Siam border has existed since the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907, he stressed the importance of verifying the exact territorial boundaries.  “We see that frontline forces are committed to maintaining territorial integrity. I support their dedication and determination,” he said.

Despite ongoing tensions, he believed that the issue would not “significantly” impact bilateral relations, as the leadership of both countries appeared to be aligned in maintaining diplomatic stability.

Lam Chea, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Border Affairs in Cambodia, did not respond.