Defence Minister Insists Ta Kwai Temple Still Belongs to Thailand

BANGKOK, Nov 4 (TNA) - Thai Defence Minister General Nattapol Nakpanich on Tuesday asserted that the disputed Ta Kwai Temple (Prasat Ta Kwai) belongs to Thailand and vowed the issue would not be resolved until the site is fully recovered.

Gen. Nattapol said Bangkok has notified Phnom Penh that it is violating the Geneva Conventions and the Ottawa Treaty by using the ancient site as a military base and laying landmines around the structure.

"We will not accept that [Cambodia] has captured it," the Minister said.

He emphasized that Thailand would not discuss reopening border checkpoints until Cambodia complies with four key demands, including the withdrawal from Ta Kwai.

Addressing a proposed reclamation rally by influencers, Gen. Nattapol asked for patience, citing the ongoing danger from landmines and the need for the government and military to resolve the long-standing dispute carefully. -819 (TNA)