A serious violation of sovereignty: a Thai ceremony in a disputed temple provokes anger in Cambodia

Dozens of people, including the Thai ministers of Defense and Culture, participated in an event at the historical border site known as “Ta Kwai” by the Thais and “Ta Krabey” by the Cambodians.

The organization of a ceremony by Thailand in a temple claimed by Cambodia sparked anger from Phnom Penh on Wednesday, which sees it as a “serious violation” of its “territorial sovereignty” after deadly clashes on the border last year. Dozens of people, including the Thai ministers of Defense and Culture, took part in the event at the historic border site, known as “Ta Kwai” by the Thais and “Ta Krabey” by the Cambodians.

Dancers in traditional costumes, Buddhist monks, and military personnel in uniform paid tribute to the “sacrifices of soldiers who defended national sovereignty” during previous clashes 15 years ago in April 2011, as stated in a press release from the Thai Ministry of Defense.

Ceasefire was agreed on December 27, leading to discussions on border demarcation. The two Southeast Asian kingdoms have been at odds for decades over the 800-kilometer border, a legacy of the French colonial era. Tensions boiled over into armed conflict twice last year, in July and December, resulting in dozens of deaths on both sides and prompting hundreds of thousands of people to flee the fighting.

Cambodia alleges that Thailand seized several areas in border provinces, including the location of the temple where the ceremony was held on Wednesday. Cambodian Ministry of Culture denounced Thai activities at the site as “a serious violation of Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The presence of two Thai ministers at the ceremony “compromises ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful and negotiated settlement,” the Cambodian Culture Ministry stated in a release. A ceasefire signed on December 27 includes discussions on border demarcation, but the situation remains fragile as both sides accuse each other of not respecting the truce.