Following an order by Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of the Royal Thai Army's Second Army Area, the closures affect the Thai provinces bordering Cambodia: Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket, and Buriram. All cross-border movement, including independent travel, organized tours, and trade, is suspended until the situation stabilizes.

Ta Muen Temple at the Thai-Cambodia border. Photo: The Nation

Ta Muen Temple at the Thai-Cambodia border. Photo: The Nation

Among the closed sites are the ancient temples of Ta Muen and Ta Kwai, popular destinations for visitors exploring Khmer heritage along Thailand's northeastern border. The Chong Bok and Chong An Ma areas near Ubon Ratchathani, frequently used for travel to Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, are also completely closed.

These measures follow landmine explosions in the border region that seriously injured Thai soldiers. Thailand believes the incidents are linked to Cambodian forces and has declared them a violation of the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines.

Thai authorities emphasized that the closures are preventative, intended to protect the lives of residents and tourists, while awaiting further government-level discussions between the two countries.

No reopening date has been announced for the border sites.

The Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temples are ancient Khmer ruins located in Surin province, Thailand, near the Cambodian border. Both were built in the 11th century, showcasing Angkorian architecture with large sandstone blocks and intricate carvings. They are often visited by tourists exploring the Thai-Cambodian border region.

Tuan Anh (The Nation)