The controversial replica of the ancient Preah Vihear temple, commissioned by an army task force, will not be demolished after all and could be opened to tourists, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon says.
He insisted Monday the miniature, 1-to-10 scale temple overlooking the real Preah Vihear can be displayed as long as it is in Thai territory.
His comments mark an about-turn on the government's earlier stance.
On May 10, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was reported as having expressed his disapproval of a scaled-down replica of the 11th-century temple located in the border province of Si Sa Ket.
- Original exclusive report: Army opens model Preah Vihear
- Prayut's opposition: PM slams Preah Vihear replica
The premier questioned whether the replica -- constructed on Pha Mor E-Daeng, in Khao Phra Viharn National Park -- was appropriate.
The army ordered the replica to be covered in black cloth, fearing it might touch off a diplomatic row with Cambodia. Confused reports emerged about whether Cambodia had taken offence, although the Phnom Penh government appeared clear.
According to the Thai military, visitors to the miniature Preah Vihear temple in Thailand will have a view of the real temple. (Creative Commons licence via Wikipedia)
The official Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan told the Phnom Penh Post newspaper the Thai model "is against the principles of civilised nations".
On Monday, the new military stance made no mention of the original reason given for building the model at all - forcing Cambodia to cede joint control to the grounds and tourist trade at the real Preah Vihear. Cambodia has rejected that Thai government offer on numerous occasions.
Col Thanasak Mitraphanont, a pro-nationalist who spent his own money on the structure, was transferred as commander of the 6th Infantry Regiment to an inactive post.
On Monday, Gen Prawit said "it was only right" that the replica was built on Thai soil and the construction should pose no problem.
"If it's in our territory, we can build [the replica] anywhere," he said.
He denied Col Thanasak was transferred for his role in creating the miniature temple, saying the job shift was recommended by the 2nd Region Army commander so the army chief did not decide on the matter alone.
Gen Prawit said it was not unexpected that some people might be anxious and nervous about the replica being sited near the disputed border area.
Also on Monday, Col Thanasak was visited by activists led by Kamolpan Cheewapansri who insisted the transfer was unfair.
Google Maps shows Pha Mor E-Daeng, just inside the Thai border, is 700 metres north of Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple.