The Department of Fine Arts reaffirmed that ancient monuments must not be used for military purposes, citing international norms that prohibit the deployment of military positions at cultural heritage sites due to the high risk of damage during armed conflict.

Speaking at the Joint Press Center on the Thailand–Cambodia border situation, Phanombut Chantarachot, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, said there were indications that Cambodian forces had used areas around ancient monuments, including Ta Kwai Temple, for military activities, resulting in weapons deployment and damage to archaeological sites.

He stated that the Fine Arts Department has the expertise and modern technology to restore Ta Kwai Temple and other affected monuments to structural stability and near-original condition, citing successful restorations at Phanom Rung, Phimai, and Prasat Sdok Kok Thom.

The department clarified that its restoration authority applies only to monuments within Thai territory and expressed confidence that, once the situation stabilizes, all affected sites in Thailand can be fully restored in accordance with professional conservation standards.

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