The government will restore and preserve Prasat Ta Kwai temple in Surin province to establish it as a sustainable historical tourist attraction, says Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised.
Ms Sabeeda and Lt Gen Adul Boonthumjaroen, the defence minister, on Wednesday presided over a merit-making ritual at the historic site near the Thai-Cambodian border to honour soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending Thailand’s sovereignty during the recent border clashes with Cambodian forces.
The ceremony included laying wreaths, a robe-offering ritual and the bathing of a revered Buddha statue for good fortune. A traditional dance performance, attended by hundreds of locals from 20 villages, was also held.
Organised by the Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO) of Bak Dai, the event aimed to help develop tambon Bak Dai in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district into a key artistic and cultural tourist destination, as well as to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage.
Ms Sabeeda and Lt Gen Adul also inspected Prasat Ta Kwai temple and the strategic Hill 350 nearby and received briefings on plans to make it a sustainable historic site.
Lt Gen Adul highlighted the government’s plans to improve infrastructure in the area, including roads, utilities and telecommunications.
Ms Sabeeda noted Prasat Ta Kwai temple’s cultural and historical significance, affirming that the government places high importance on restoring the site and preserving it.
She said the Culture Ministry’s Fine Arts Department has crafted restoration plans. Funding has been proposed, with survey work due to begin in the 2027 fiscal year.