August 4, 2008
Bangkok - Cambodia tried to draw Thailand’s attention from the Preah Vihear temple to Ta Muang Thon ruins, according to academics.
Thepmontri Limpaphayom, historical academic, said the ruins clearly belonged to Thailand as the Fine Arts Department registered the site as a historical site.
Ta Muan Thom is in Surin province.
“I believe Cambodia is playing a game. It tries to distort our attention from the Preah Vihear temple so that we will reduce our troops there. Cambodian is then able to send in its children and aged people to the temple site,” said Thepmontri.
He called for troops maintaining at both the Preah Vihear temple and Ta Muan Thom.
Thepmontri also urged Thailand’s foreign ministry to send a letter to Cambodian Embassy to inform the embassy that Cambodian soldiers entered the Ta Muan Thom site.
He added that Thailand should report the incident to 21 World Heritage Committee members as well.
Cambodia’s premier Hun Sen’s wife last week performed a ritual at the Preah Vihear.
It was reported the ceremony was to make things go in flavor of Cambodia concerning the controversial temple.
Thepmontri emphasized Thailand should protest against Cambodia’s trespassing on Thai soil.
