May 19, 2008
The Nation Editorial (Thailand)
Competing claims to area around temple must not devolve into nationalistic one-upmanship
Funny things happen during election time and Cambodia is no exception in this regard. Vietnam used to be on the receiving end of vitriol from Cambodian politicians (those on the royalist side of the house) looking to score quick political points. But with overlapping claims to Preah Vihear Temple currently the centre of attention, there is a growing concern that Thailand will replace Vietnam as the preferred target for verbal attacks.
The two countries took their dispute over the temple to the International Court of Justice in 1962. Thailand lost as the court ruled that the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia. Thailand accepted the ruling with a heavy heart. But the point of contention that has yet to be resolved concerns the 4.6 square-kilometre area around the temple.
Cambodia last year put the Preah Vihear Temple forward as a potential Unesco world heritage site. The UN body will decide on its status in July, which is about the same time that Cambodians will go to the polls. What has been eating Thailand about the proposal is that it includes the 4.6 square-kilometre area around the temple.
Both sides comfort themselves by saying that Unesco's acceptance has no bearing on national sovereignty. But in reality, Thai policy-makers, especially the military, which oversees the disputed areas, think an unwanted precedent would be set if Unesco accepts the proposed boundaries.
In political terms, it would be another feather in Cambodia's cap in its effort to claim the entire disputed area.
Given the fact this is an election year in Cambodia, it would be damaging for any politician to back away from this. They can't be seen as giving in to Thailand or anybody else for that matter.
Moreover, the fact that Thailand is experiencing political turmoil doesn't help.
But regardless of the political atmosphere in the two countries, this dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is still an important issue. After all it's about national sovereignty, a human-invented notion that boxes citizens inside political borders. Modern nation states demand loyalty from their citizens and unquestioning respect for these man-made political boundaries.
Problems surface when these boundaries overlap with those of neighbouring countries. Nations have gone to war and friends have turned into foes because of it.
Fortunately for Thailand and Cambodia, there is no lingering mistrust between the two countries, so there should be plenty of political will from both sides. But what is needed is a demonstration of sincerity from both sides to address this dispute in the spirit of friendship.
At the moment, all kinds of proposals are being floated, but so far Phnom Penh has yet to show any sign that it favours one over another - if it is even interested at all. Any sign of willingness could be translated as the country softening its sovereign claim to the disputed 4.6 square kilometres. Both countries could, for a start, begin to look for ways to demilitarise the areas, as this would send a positive signal to all sides that the two countries are sincere in looking for a peaceful solution to the problem.
Moreover, the two sides need to shelve nationalism for now and put the interests of the Hindu temple first. After all, this was an important historical site for local people centuries before there was such a thing as the International Court of Justice, or Thailand and Cambodia for that matter.
There are a lot of hang-ups from many Thais who still remember the day when the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia. It doesn't help anybody if we are still clinging to the bitter past.
Most importantly, we need to de-link Preah Vihear from politics on both sides. Unless this is done, there will be no peace for the temple.
Funny things happen during election time and Cambodia is no exception in this regard. Vietnam used to be on the receiving end of vitriol from Cambodian politicians (those on the royalist side of the house) looking to score quick political points. But with overlapping claims to Preah Vihear Temple currently the centre of attention, there is a growing concern that Thailand will replace Vietnam as the preferred target for verbal attacks.
The two countries took their dispute over the temple to the International Court of Justice in 1962. Thailand lost as the court ruled that the Hindu temple of Preah Vihear belonged to Cambodia. Thailand accepted the ruling with a heavy heart. But the point of contention that has yet to be resolved concerns the 4.6 square-kilometre area around the temple.
Cambodia last year put the Preah Vihear Temple forward as a potential Unesco world heritage site. The UN body will decide on its status in July, which is about the same time that Cambodians will go to the polls. What has been eating Thailand about the proposal is that it includes the 4.6 square-kilometre area around the temple.
Both sides comfort themselves by saying that Unesco's acceptance has no bearing on national sovereignty. But in reality, Thai policy-makers, especially the military, which oversees the disputed areas, think an unwanted precedent would be set if Unesco accepts the proposed boundaries.
In political terms, it would be another feather in Cambodia's cap in its effort to claim the entire disputed area.
Given the fact this is an election year in Cambodia, it would be damaging for any politician to back away from this. They can't be seen as giving in to Thailand or anybody else for that matter.
Moreover, the fact that Thailand is experiencing political turmoil doesn't help.
But regardless of the political atmosphere in the two countries, this dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is still an important issue. After all it's about national sovereignty, a human-invented notion that boxes citizens inside political borders. Modern nation states demand loyalty from their citizens and unquestioning respect for these man-made political boundaries.
Problems surface when these boundaries overlap with those of neighbouring countries. Nations have gone to war and friends have turned into foes because of it.
Fortunately for Thailand and Cambodia, there is no lingering mistrust between the two countries, so there should be plenty of political will from both sides. But what is needed is a demonstration of sincerity from both sides to address this dispute in the spirit of friendship.
At the moment, all kinds of proposals are being floated, but so far Phnom Penh has yet to show any sign that it favours one over another - if it is even interested at all. Any sign of willingness could be translated as the country softening its sovereign claim to the disputed 4.6 square kilometres. Both countries could, for a start, begin to look for ways to demilitarise the areas, as this would send a positive signal to all sides that the two countries are sincere in looking for a peaceful solution to the problem.
Moreover, the two sides need to shelve nationalism for now and put the interests of the Hindu temple first. After all, this was an important historical site for local people centuries before there was such a thing as the International Court of Justice, or Thailand and Cambodia for that matter.
There are a lot of hang-ups from many Thais who still remember the day when the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia. It doesn't help anybody if we are still clinging to the bitter past.
Most importantly, we need to de-link Preah Vihear from politics on both sides. Unless this is done, there will be no peace for the temple.
15 comments:
" There are a lot of hang-ups from many Thais who still remember the day when the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Cambodia."
សៀមមិនដែលបោះបង់ចោលគំនិតអាក្រក់របស់ខ្លួន។ តុលាការអន្តរជាតិបានកាត់ក្ដីទៅតាមអ្វីដែលជាការពិតនៃប្រវត្តិសាស្រ្ត ។
The trouble maker Thailand is acting up again. They are trying to inflate the problem for to fool the int'l community opinion for a bargaining chip. This is only 4.6km border and they make it like they are going to lose the whole Thailand. Is this the neighbor of peace and harmony?
If we take this matter to be discussed in Geneva or Paris we will win regardless of the Thai opposition. They have no clue how much Cambodian can claim from them. There will be a lot.
I do agreed with you 10:05pm,Siamese is actually contempt of Khmer national simillar to the theives souther border. They wanted to eradicated our Khmer nation off the world map; this northern theives have no clue how much Khmer shall claim from them. Untill this counter-argument unleashing a serious sign, but it migh be to late for them. The Siamese name is reeking throughout Khmer Brothers & Sisters worldwide; they are ludicrous by trying to foolished international opinions, they refused to recognized Khmer souvereignty over Prasat Preah Vihea and cour-yard surounding. I expected Mr.Hun Sen and his Boss teach Siamese a lesson then revoking all their Temporary ownership of land soon. AH Siam Shut-up.
It will really disgrace to them if they kept acting low life like. It will be very shameful for them to the world communities. There is an old say in Cambodian as "When the wound is not that hurtful don't poke it with the stick" As in American "Open a can of worms" there will be more revealing after another. If Khmer really pull the Siam to the world court, Khmer will win 100%. HUN SEN got to do something that he can't just be tough with Khmer only. He got to show the neighbors that iron fists too. Go doggy go! If you done something for Khmer's interest I bet you all Khmer will behind you Mr. Hun Sen. Go! doggy go!
i'm wonder thailand have always under guess what is going on in cambodia. preah vihear is actually a national awareness of cambodia, not any political group; it is for all cambodian people regardless of political affiliation.
Very true! They always underestimating us. They don't know how much we can claim back most of our belongings. Go Cambodia!
If they have concrete proofs why don't they present them in the international court? Why they keep harrassing us? Khmer will win if they decide to go to court. God bless Cambodia. Jayo! Khmer forever.
Ah Xam Rainxy must be stopped from making people suffers for his own political gain.
1:56AM are you out of your mind? How does Sam Rainsy come about in this matter. Are you f**king stupid? This is national interest, it is not just any politcal goal or politician goal.Do you get it??????
Beware of ah Youn too they are so deep in our thraot!
To defense Cambodian national interest is not anyone business. It is everyone. Regardless any political goal. 2:11AM you are correct. Only 1:56AM doesn't know how to spell or say Khmer name correctly. I bet he is 100% youn. That is why he is so offended. Khmer always love Khmer. Not like you pick someone (Sam Rainsy) eles's name into this subject for his fault. No one's fault, this is national inteterst. We proudly speak out to defense our country. Bravo! 2:11AM. God bless Cambodia.
Interesting how Vietnam is able to goble up Khmer's island and land without much outrage from our great leaders in NomBenh. Too hot to handle subject?
The Thai should do like the Chinese, Koreans and others who just use cash instead of guns to purchase the land. It much easier to aquire Khmer's land in the name of investment/development. Everything is for sale in Cambodia.
Heck, the Vietnamese is our sworn enemy but look at them now. You don't have to go Vietnam to feel at home.
So tell the Thais to bring up the $$$. This significant albeit small location can be theirs too if the price is right.
A Khmer messege non affiliated with any political party Concerning. Mr. Hun Sen & Mr Sok Ann on May 22, 23 2008 in Paris with Siamese GV to discused a counter-argument over cour-yard surrounding our prasat Preah Vihea. Since the Preah Vihea Shrine is belonging to Khmer people not a part of political issue, you should ignored the Siamese reclaimed possible tell them it's belong to Khmer people, you both do not have any autority or any other worlds to say, exepted to tell Siamese go to learn how to pronounce Khmer words such as:KHMER instead of KHMENN, KAMPUCHEA in stead of KAMPUCHHAA, and if you kind enought served them with a pot of V,namese tea under a tape Rental- Hall. I beleive there are many of them to paticipating in this event; once a meeting is over just shut them up, and show them where the Khmer empire limited border is.
Gentleman
In term of defending our country, it is not only any party interest but every cambodian regardless where they are.NO CAMBODIA ,
political parties DO NOT EXIST.
History proves that Cambodia has been a golden plate targeted by both sides, Thailand and Vietnam.
Being faithful to cambodia, or being puppet of our neighbours of those politcal instruments under name of POWER, remain to be seen. And I hope that history WON'T repeat itself. It is critical time,when Cambodia no longer exist, YOUR BAGFULL OF DOLLARS WILL BE CONFISTICATED by what you considered as now your freinds.
Preah Vihear was reclaimed in 1962 by Khmer heroes, under the leading of our former king. Evidences must be used to support the decision.
It should be clearly stated by referred MAP and the ruling. It is quite obvious that Thailand wants shared benefits of tourism when Preah Vihear registered as a world heritage.
Many of our politicians are in fact from developed world, it pays to learn that politcal differences are only different strategies, not governed by GREED and hatred. In Australia, politicians are ready to defend her at any time and no one is her traiter. Likewise in many part of the world.
I wish to raise my point that our ETHICS and concience appearently low.CHANGE is an absolute, regardless WHO or what party is in POWER. Our king is obliged to lead in our social roles, along with our APPLIED BUDDHISM and our social groups.
This social and political climates indicate that WE as cambodians need to be stronger, not in musculing to one another, or sneaking to kill one another.It is a cheap shot by any standard.
I hope we all learn from our mistakes.
Neang SA
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