Thailand closes tourist spots near Cambodian border

Thailand temporarily closed its border gates and suspended border tourism with Cambodia after a series of mine explosions injured many soldiers on July 24.

Under the order of Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the Thai 2nd Army Corps, the decision was applied in the provinces bordering Cambodia including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket and Buriram. All cross-border travel, including independent travel , tours and trade, will be suspended until the situation is under control.

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

Among the sites off-limits to visitors are ancient temples such as Ta Moan and Ta Kwai, popular destinations for Khmer heritage tourists along Thailand’s northeastern border. In addition, the Chong Bok and Chong An Ma areas, near Ubon Ratchathani, frequented by visitors on their way to Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, have been completely sealed off.

Tensions between the two countries escalated when Thai authorities on July 23 accused Cambodia of planting landmines in a disputed border area where a clash in May injured a Thai soldier. Armed clashes broke out this morning in a disputed area near the Ta Moan temple, with both sides accusing each other of opening fire first. The fighting then spread to the Pha Mor E Daeng area and Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province.

Thai officials said the move to close tourist sites was precautionary, aimed at protecting the lives of people and tourists, while waiting for further dialogue between the two countries at the government level.

There is currently no announcement on when the border points will reopen.

Ta Moan and Ta Kwai temples are two ancient Khmer monuments located in Surin Province, Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. Both were built in the 11th century, bearing the Angkorian architectural imprint with large sandstone blocks and elaborate carvings, often visited by tourists on their journey to explore the Thai-Cambodian border area.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/thai-lan-dong-cac-diem-du-lich-gan-bien-gioi-campuchia-post292420.html