The Thai Position on the Ta Muen Temple Complex

On 6 August 2008, Mr. Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, briefed the media on the Thai position on the Ta Muen Temple complex as follows:

1. The Ta Muen Temple complex is situated near the Thai – Cambodian border, within Thai territory.  Thai military personnel have always maintained a presence in this area.

2. The pillars demarcating the boundary line in the area have been missing, which may have led to a misunderstanding by Cambodia.  However, there exists a Thai – Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) which can point out the facts on the matter.

3. Cambodia includes the Ta Muen Temple in its guide map to archaeological sites, published in cooperation with France.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore lodged an official protest on 7 March 2008 and made known its protest to the public.

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August 6, 2008