Phnom penh: Cambodia has firmly rejected recent statements by Thailand claiming sovereignty over Ta Krabey Temple and the Ta Mone Temple Complex, reaffirming that the historic sites are located entirely within Cambodian territory.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, in a press statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia dismissed remarks made on Feb. 6 by Thailand's Minister of Culture, Sabida Thaiseth, describing the claims as legally unfounded and contrary to international law.

The Ministry stated that the locations of Ta Krabey Temple - known in Thailand as Ta Kwai - and the Ta Mone Temple Complex are clearly established under the Franco-Siamese Treaties of 1904 and 1907 and their annexed maps. These treaties, the statement noted, form the same legal basis upheld by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its landmark 1962 ruling on the Temple of Preah Vihear.

The Ministry emphasized that unilateral registrations, domestic administrative actions dating back to 1935, or maps not recognized under international law cannot supersede binding bilateral treaties. It further warned that any restoration or construction work carried out without the consent of the territorial state would constitute a violation of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on Land Border Demarcation between Cambodia and Thailand.

Cambodia also highlighted that the occupation or control of cultural heritage sites through military presence or force is prohibited under the United Nations Charter and the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

While reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful and rules-based resolution of disputes, the Ministry called on Thailand to cease all unilateral activities at the contested sites. Should disagreements persist, Cambodia reiterated its readiness to pursue a transparent and legally binding settlement through the International Court of Justice.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reiterated its determination to protect the country's cultural heritage and uphold the integrity of its national borders, emphasizing that regional stability must be grounded in respect for international law and historical truth.