Opinion: Ta Mone Temple Belongs to Cambodia: Thailand Has No Jurisdiction over Cambodian Citizens on Cambodian Soil

Opinion: Ta Mone Temple Belongs to Cambodia: Thailand Has No Jurisdiction over Cambodian Citizens on Cambodian Soil

Once again, Thailand attempts to rewrite reality with arrogance and aggression. The recent statement by Thai police, claiming to prosecute Cambodian citizen Norodom Pan Monica for allegedly “insulting” Thai soldiers at the Ta Mone Thom Temple on July 15, is not only absurd—it is a blatant violation of international law and Cambodia’s sovereignty.

Let us be crystal clear: Ta Mone Thom Temple lies within the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia. It is Cambodian land, a sacred Cambodian heritage site, and not a square inch of it belongs to Thailand. Norodom Pan Monica, a Cambodian national, exercised her full legal and moral right to visit a temple of her ancestors—on her own soil. She needed no permission from Thai soldiers, and certainly no approval from foreign thieves masquerading as guardians of peace.

What authority does Thailand have to press charges against a Cambodian citizen, on Cambodian land, for speaking up against an illegal military presence? None. Thailand has no legal, diplomatic, or moral jurisdiction to summon Cambodians through “diplomatic channels” for actions committed on their own soil. Such behavior is not only outrageous but reveals the imperialistic mindset that continues to drive Thailand’s policy toward border temples like Ta Mone Thom, Ta Krabey, and Ta Mone Touch.

Let us not forget: it is Thailand who has encroached repeatedly into disputed areas, weaponizing maps drawn unilaterally without international recognition. It is Thailand who deploys armed soldiers into zones where civilians should be allowed to worship and walk freely. And now, it is Thailand who dares to play the victim, pressing charges against an unarmed woman—because she pointed a finger and raised her voice.

In reality, what Thailand fears is the truth. Norodom Pan Monica did not insult anyone; she simply exposed the uncomfortable reality: Thai soldiers are trespassers. Her defiant stand reflects the frustration of millions of Cambodians who are tired of Thai double standards—crying foul while being the aggressor. The footage went viral not because of Monica’s words, but because her courage resonated with Cambodians who see the daily humiliation of foreign boots near their sacred sites.

Thailand’s attempt to criminalize a Cambodian citizen on Cambodian territory is a direct assault on Cambodian sovereignty. It must be condemned by the international community as a dangerous precedent. If left unchallenged, this behavior emboldens future violations and suppresses legitimate voices of protest from occupied areas.

We, the Cambodian people, do not and will not accept Thai jurisdiction over our land, our temples, or our citizens. Ta Mone Thom is not and never has been Thai. The temples of Ta Mone Touch, Ta Krabey, and others in the Dangrek mountain range are treasures of Khmer heritage. These temples were built by Khmer ancestors, inscribed in our language, bearing the mark of Khmer civilization—not Thai.

Thailand’s habit of stealing not just land but culture and identity is well documented. From cuisine to classical dance, from silk patterns to religious monuments, Thailand has long built its image on borrowed Khmer heritage, then turned around to accuse the original owners of trespassing. This hypocrisy must stop.

We call upon all Cambodians, both at home and abroad, to visit Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch, and Ta Krabey temples. These are not Thai temples—they are Cambodian temples, protected by Cambodian law, and visited with pride by Cambodian hearts. No threats, no soldiers, and certainly no illegitimate lawsuits will change that fact.

To the Thai authorities: focus your efforts on respecting your neighbor’s sovereignty, not on harassing Cambodian women for defending their homeland. History will not be kind to thieves who pretend to be victims.

Ta Mone Temple is Khmer. Monica spoke for all of us. The red line has been already drawn—and Cambodia will not allow it to be crossed by Thai aggressor.

Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views expressed are his own.

Source: Khmer Times