Disputed temple ‘can be closed’ if situation escalates

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said local military commanders can recommend the closure of Ta Muean Thom temple should the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border deteriorate further.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Mr Phumtham, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, commented on the issue of Cambodian tourists visiting the temple in a manner deemed symbolically inappropriate.

In response to whether the site could be closed independently or would require official authorisation, he clarified that the authority lies with the National Security Council (NSC).