Phnom penh: Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has protested and rejected Thailand's decision to register several temple complexes and archaeological sites located within Cambodian territory in Thailand's national register of ancient monuments. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Ministry issued a statement on May 13, asserting that Thailand's Fine Arts Department has included the Tamone Temple Complex, Ta Krabey Temple, K'nar Temple, and other archaeological sites situated along the Cambodia-Thailand border under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Ministry described this unilateral action as 'illegal, null, and without legal effect,' emphasizing that such a registration cannot serve as evidence of territorial sovereignty or be used as a tool for border delimitation. The statement highlighted that issues relating to sovereignty and boundary demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand must be resolved in accordance with international law, including the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty a nd related instruments. The Ministry also pointed out that Thailand's move represents an unlawful attempt to create an artificial legal appearance over cultural sites located within Cambodian sovereign territory. It stated that this action violates Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermining the spirit of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between the two neighboring countries. Cambodia has called upon the Royal Thai Government to withdraw the registration and refrain from taking further unilateral actions that could affect efforts toward a peaceful settlement through bilateral mechanisms. The Ministry reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving all outstanding issues peacefully and in accordance with international law and established bilateral mechanisms.