Thailand-Cambodia clashes and ancient Hindu temples: Which are the 3 Shiva temples near Thai-Cambodia border, they were built by….
Thailand-Cambodia clashes: In a significant development between the two countries, Thailand announced that it is closing all its border points with Cambodia after at least three people were injured in a “targeted attack on civilians” by rockets of Cambodian forces. As per a report by ANI news agency, the development marked an escalation of long-standing dispute between the neighbouring countries in South-East Asia. However, at the heart of the conflict, there are some Ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva that are news.
Why Cambodia and Thailand are fighting?
As per local media reports, heavy fighting had broke out today between the forces of Cambodia and Thailand near the disputed Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin Province, as Cambodian forces launched an attack. Additionally, according to the Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Plan, Thai forces responded which is designed to address border incidents.
Thailand-Cambodia clashes: Which Shiva temples are in news?
As per media reports, a group of three 11th-century Hindu temples, namely, Prasat Ta Muen Thom or “Great Temple of the Grandfather Chicken” in Khmer built by King Udayadityavarman II, Prasat Ta Muen, and Prasat Ta Muen Toch are at the center of the Cambodia–Thailand border tension. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main temple, Ta Muen Thom, features a naturally formed Shivling and Sanskrit inscriptions, reflecting ancient Indian cultural influence. The temples lie in the dense Dangrek mountain range along a historical Khmer route.
Notably, both the countries claim the site—Cambodia citing its Khmer heritage, and Thailand referencing current territorial control.
What’s the long-running border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia?
The long-running border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia date back over a century, when France, which occupied Cambodia until 1953, first mapped the land border. Cambodia has cited that map to support its territorial claims, while Thailand rejects it as inaccurate.
(With inputs from agencies)
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