Heritage sites 'are off limits'

The army is warning Cambodia against using cultural heritage sites as bases for military operations, as such actions constitute a violation of the Hague Convention, according to Royal Thai Army spokesman, Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, yesterday.

- POST REPORTERS

The warning came as Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued several statements accusing Thailand of carrying out operations which resulted in damage to Ta Khwai and Preah Vihear temples along the border.

Maj Gen Winthai said that Thailand remains committed to the 1954 Hague Convention, which mandates the protection of cultural heritage sites and prohibits attacks or actions that could cause damage to such sites.

"In this instance, Cambodia deliberately used these heritage sites as military bases, establishing surveillance and strategic positions to target Thai forces," he said.

"Therefore, it is Cambodia, not Thailand, that is violating humanitarian and international conventions, as well as showing disregard for cultural heritage," he said.