Govt issues fake temple news alert
Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has found that this false piece of information has gained public interest over the past week.
The ministry also found a report saying a Cambodian spy, who possessed drones and electronic devices for targeting the Royal Thai Air Force's Wing 5 base, had been arrested in Chanthaburi province. This claim was also confirmed to be false.
Mr Anukool emphasised that the Fine Arts Department has never supported or approved the destruction of any heritage site for military purposes or any other reason.
"Historical sites are invaluable cultural heritage, not just for Thailand but for all of humanity," said the spokesman. "Even if restoration is technically possible, it can never truly replace the historical, artistic and spiritual value of the original structures."
Mr Anukool stressed that any intentional destruction of such sites for whatever reason would be considered disrespectful to the nation and violate international conservation standards.
"Allowing such historical sites to be demolished would affect the country's image and credibility on the global stage," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham confirms Thai soldiers' right to self defence against landmines
The Thai government will again complain to the United Nations about Cambodia's use of anti-personnel land mines in contravention of the Ottawa Treaty, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said on Wednesday He was also adamant that Thai troops have every right to respond in self defence to such attacks. Mr Phumtham said at Government House on Wednesday that international treaties and laws alllow soldiers to take action to defend themselves. 'Regarding the military's remark that they will act in self-defence, I think that is in accordance with international treaties and laws,' Mr Phumtham said. He was responding to the latest landmine explosion, near Ta Muen Thom temple ruins in Surin province on Tuesday, when a Thai paramilitary ranger lost a leg. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would send another complaint to the UN about Cambodia's use of anti-personnel landmines. 'The use of landmines certainly violates the Ottawa Treaty. This will be the subject of a complaint to the UN... . The UN has a process for subsequent action,' the acting prime minister said. 'It is clear that Cambodia is not intent on peace,' he said. Mr Phumtham also commented on the 2nd Army Region's request posted on Facebook for donations of barbed wire. He said the 2nd Army could request support from the government's central contingency fund, and the government would approve it. The request made through Facebook could create misunderstanding, the acting prime minister said. 'The government confirms that it is time to strengthen the forces that are protecting our national sovereignty. This government has no objection, and has prepared contingency funding for this purpose,' Mr Phumtham said.
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Bangkok Post
Hundreds of unexploded Cambodian rockets, shells cleared from border provinces
An 11-day operation by the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC) has dealt with 483 live rounds fired by Cambodia that failed to explode when landing on Thai soil during the recent clashes on the border in four provinces. Fifteen TMAC teams coordinated with army explosive ordnance disposal units and provincial police in the clearance of the unexploded munitions fired by Cambodia since Aug 1. TMAC director Gen Saksith Sangchanin said 483 live rounds had been dealt with near the border in the four attacked provinces - unexploded BM-21 rockets, artillery shells, mortar rounds and other munitions. Surin province had the most, including 206 BM-21 rockets, followed by Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani. The operation was continuing to ensure the safety of civilians, most of whom had returned home since the two countries signed a 13-point ceasefire plan on Aug 7. Any suspicious objects found in or near the conflict areas should be immediately reported to the authorities, the TMAC director said.
Bangkok Post
an hour ago
- Bangkok Post
Sam Rainsy says Cambodian criminal-wealth could buy hundreds of F-16s
Criminals operating in Cambodia are raking in about US$19 billion a year according to exiled opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who pointed out that is enough to buy 292 F-16 fighter jets. Sam Rainsy posted the information on his Facebook account on Wednesday. He said, "US$19 billion per year is the income of criminals in Cambodia. A new F-16 costs US$65 million, so with US$19 billion you could buy about 292 F-16s." The outspoken Cambodian politician currently lives in exile in France and has recently criticised the Cambodian army's performance and demanded disclosure of the actual number of soldiers killed in the clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. He criticised the Cambodian army for missing its targets when firing BM-21 rockets that struck Thai civilian areas. He also pointed out that Thai air force F-16s had been accurate in hitting Cambodian military targets. In June, Sam Rainsy attacked Hun Sen over his recent outbursts against Thailand, saying it was not rooted in patriotism but in fear of the potential collapse of a regime 'deeply entangled with international criminal networks'. 'Hun Sen's current fury toward Thailand stems not from national pride, but from the growing threat to the illicit revenue streams that sustain his power — namely, criminal syndicates controlled by the Chinese mafia and operating along Cambodia's borders," Sam Rainsy said in a statement posted on his X account on June 28. "These networks are now facing an unprecedented crackdown by Thai authorities,' he said. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has responded to the criticism with personal barbs aimed at his long-time political rival. His posts included, 'Why is there a Cambodian who praises the invading Thai army and insults the Cambodian army instead? Is he human or animal? Is he a patriot or a traitor?'
