Editorial by Khmerization
Thailand’s invasion and occupation of the so-called “overlapping area” in the Preah Vihear precinct has entered its fifth day and there is no sign of it ending very soon. On the contrary, the situation is worsening by the day and both sides, Cambodia and Thailand, are dangerously reinforcing and building up their troops numbers to boost up their bargaining powers at the upcoming talks on the conflict which will be held in Thailand’s Sakeo province on Monday. I can confidently predict that the Monday meeting will not produce any results. The meeting will be a chance of finger-pointing, accusations and counter-accusations. The Cambodian side will demand a total Thai withdrawal and likewise, the Thai side will demand a total Cambodian troop withdrawal, including the evacuation of villagers who settled in the zone for years, before Thailand will agree to any withdrawal. At the end, the meeting will be an impasse, unless one side makes a concession, which is likely to be the Cambodian side. (Full details on the Thai incursion at Preah Vihear).
The Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear precinct at this time is reminiscent of the 1950s’ Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear temple, which ended with the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that adjudicated to give the ownership of the temple to Cambodia in 1962. At that time, like now, the pretext for the Thai occupation of the temple was, after reviewing the maps, Thailand assumed that the temple was situated on Thai soil.
Cambodia and Thailand had only one border treaty, which is the 1907 treaty. The documents and maps of the 1907 treaty showed clearly that the Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding areas fall under Cambodia’s sovereignty. On top of this, the International Court of Justice in The Hague adjudged to give the whole Preah Vihear precinct to Cambodia in 1962. So, the ownership of the Preah Vihear temple and its precinct is unquestionably Cambodian.
Now, what is the solution to end the present Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear precinct?
Cambodia, beside military prowess, has all the advantages over Thailand, under international laws and conventions, to prove the ownership of this so-called “overlapping area” under the 1907 treaty and the ICJ‘s decision in 1962. With this in mind, Cambodia must embark on a crusade of international diplomacy for a peaceful resolution to this Thai-made crisis. Cambodia could use the scenario below in which to go about resolving this crisis peacefully.
First, Cambodia should invite the foreign diplomatic and international press corps to visit the conflict zone in order to win international opinion to its crusade. Secondly, Cambodia should use the upcoming talks with Thailand to press for a total Thai withdrawal from the conflict zone. Thirdly, if that fails, Cambodia can take this matter to the Association of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Forum, which both Cambodia and Thailand are members. The ASEAN Charter has a policy of non-interference and non-aggression between member states. Fourthly, if ASEAN fails to mediate a satisfactory outcome, Cambodia can take the next step which is referring this conflict to the UN Security Council to mediate. And fifthly and finally, if all else fail, Cambodia can take Thailand to the International Court of Justice like in 1962.
My predicted outcome to a peaceful ending of this conflict, that is acceptable to Thailand, would be a two pronged resolution. Thailand, without a doubt, would want to claim total sovereignty over this area and will never accept anything less than half of the 4.6 square kilometres “disputed zone”. So, the first solution for Cambodia is, if it wants a peaceful co-existence with Thailand in the future, it has to agree to a partition of this parcel of the lands. But Cambodia, as a proud and sovereign nation, would be a fool to accept this solution. The second solution would be the judgement of the International Court of Justice, like the 1962 case.
Thailand had never gotten over its wounded pride with the loss of Preah Vihear in 1962. One would not expect Thailand to allow this case to go to that court one more time that can make them lose face and territories further. Many Cambodians believe that, if the 1907 treaty was to be re-examined, Cambodia would see that its territories would have been encroached significantly by Thailand. A re-examination of the 1907 treaty by the International Court of Justice would see Thailand losing more territories.
Finally, I, and I would like to think that many of my Cambodian compatriots, would hope to see a peaceful ending to this conflict, preferably ending with an irreversible and binding decision of the International Court of Justice like the 1962 court case, so that this saga is resolved once and for all.//
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1. Read previous editorial on Preah Vihear: Thailand's Aggression
2. Pictures of new troop movements from both sides: Cambodian-Thai troops.
“First, Cambodia should invite the foreign diplomatic and international press corps to visit the conflict zone in order to win international opinion to its crusade. Secondly, Cambodia should use the upcoming talks with Thailand to press for a total Thai withdrawal from the conflict zone. Thirdly, if that fails, Cambodia can take this matter to the Association of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Forum, which both Cambodia and Thailand are members. The ASEAN Charter has a policy of non-interference and non-aggression between member states. Fourthly, if ASEAN fails to mediate a satisfactory outcome, Cambodia can take the next step which is referring this conflict to the UN Security Council to mediate. And fifthly and finally, if all else fail, Cambodia can take Thailand to the International Court of Justice like in 1962.”
Thailand’s invasion and occupation of the so-called “overlapping area” in the Preah Vihear precinct has entered its fifth day and there is no sign of it ending very soon. On the contrary, the situation is worsening by the day and both sides, Cambodia and Thailand, are dangerously reinforcing and building up their troops numbers to boost up their bargaining powers at the upcoming talks on the conflict which will be held in Thailand’s Sakeo province on Monday. I can confidently predict that the Monday meeting will not produce any results. The meeting will be a chance of finger-pointing, accusations and counter-accusations. The Cambodian side will demand a total Thai withdrawal and likewise, the Thai side will demand a total Cambodian troop withdrawal, including the evacuation of villagers who settled in the zone for years, before Thailand will agree to any withdrawal. At the end, the meeting will be an impasse, unless one side makes a concession, which is likely to be the Cambodian side. (Full details on the Thai incursion at Preah Vihear).
The Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear precinct at this time is reminiscent of the 1950s’ Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear temple, which ended with the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that adjudicated to give the ownership of the temple to Cambodia in 1962. At that time, like now, the pretext for the Thai occupation of the temple was, after reviewing the maps, Thailand assumed that the temple was situated on Thai soil.
Cambodia and Thailand had only one border treaty, which is the 1907 treaty. The documents and maps of the 1907 treaty showed clearly that the Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding areas fall under Cambodia’s sovereignty. On top of this, the International Court of Justice in The Hague adjudged to give the whole Preah Vihear precinct to Cambodia in 1962. So, the ownership of the Preah Vihear temple and its precinct is unquestionably Cambodian.
Now, what is the solution to end the present Thai occupation of the Preah Vihear precinct?
Cambodia, beside military prowess, has all the advantages over Thailand, under international laws and conventions, to prove the ownership of this so-called “overlapping area” under the 1907 treaty and the ICJ‘s decision in 1962. With this in mind, Cambodia must embark on a crusade of international diplomacy for a peaceful resolution to this Thai-made crisis. Cambodia could use the scenario below in which to go about resolving this crisis peacefully.
First, Cambodia should invite the foreign diplomatic and international press corps to visit the conflict zone in order to win international opinion to its crusade. Secondly, Cambodia should use the upcoming talks with Thailand to press for a total Thai withdrawal from the conflict zone. Thirdly, if that fails, Cambodia can take this matter to the Association of South East Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Forum, which both Cambodia and Thailand are members. The ASEAN Charter has a policy of non-interference and non-aggression between member states. Fourthly, if ASEAN fails to mediate a satisfactory outcome, Cambodia can take the next step which is referring this conflict to the UN Security Council to mediate. And fifthly and finally, if all else fail, Cambodia can take Thailand to the International Court of Justice like in 1962.
My predicted outcome to a peaceful ending of this conflict, that is acceptable to Thailand, would be a two pronged resolution. Thailand, without a doubt, would want to claim total sovereignty over this area and will never accept anything less than half of the 4.6 square kilometres “disputed zone”. So, the first solution for Cambodia is, if it wants a peaceful co-existence with Thailand in the future, it has to agree to a partition of this parcel of the lands. But Cambodia, as a proud and sovereign nation, would be a fool to accept this solution. The second solution would be the judgement of the International Court of Justice, like the 1962 case.
Thailand had never gotten over its wounded pride with the loss of Preah Vihear in 1962. One would not expect Thailand to allow this case to go to that court one more time that can make them lose face and territories further. Many Cambodians believe that, if the 1907 treaty was to be re-examined, Cambodia would see that its territories would have been encroached significantly by Thailand. A re-examination of the 1907 treaty by the International Court of Justice would see Thailand losing more territories.
Finally, I, and I would like to think that many of my Cambodian compatriots, would hope to see a peaceful ending to this conflict, preferably ending with an irreversible and binding decision of the International Court of Justice like the 1962 court case, so that this saga is resolved once and for all.//
--------------------------
1. Read previous editorial on Preah Vihear: Thailand's Aggression
2. Pictures of new troop movements from both sides: Cambodian-Thai troops.
26 comments:
calling to your UN daddy wouldn't help you idiotic khmers!
What's inside the Joint Communique'? Anyone?
What will help, you idiot invader. Good neighbors should resolve their dispute peacefully, not send in the troops to invade your neigbor. You have stolen enough Khmer lands, so enough is enough! Go back to your ancestors' land in Nan Chao, southern China, you idiots!
Khmer people need to stand together and usalize these laws and court to assist each other for the better and suffering of our nature cause by foreigners and neighbor like thai, vietnam.
For all khmer, for our history, future and especially those who are living under oppression in cambodia.
8:54 AM
Cambodia already called the UN.
The UN has contacted Thai government and they are waiting for an answer.
Will the Siam government respond with a letter?
All foreigners must stayed out of Khmer's affair. This is strictly between Khmers in Thailand and the monkeys in Cambodia.
I am khmer I don't like thai to take any piece of our land. But from my observation, thai have done this because they look at hun sen can take any land from any cambodian people because hun sen power. He follow no law. Hun Sen hate the u.n which have helped to be rich and power. But he's a criminal, murederer and tieft lawless leader. How can the u.n ever believe in him again.
9:51 AM
Yes Commander!
Hahahaha.....
You got that right, 10:11, very good!
With the UN's and international pressures Thailand cannot hang on any longer. It must withdraw its troops. The 1904, 1907 and 1908 maps and border treaty show that that piece of land belong to Cambodia. So Cambodia must be firm not to give in and cede any piece of lands to Thailand.
Now Siam dog dont want to solve this problem internationally between Khmere in Cambodia and dog in Siam.
9:51,
you have to say Khmer in Cambodia and the dog in Siam.
True, only the dog in Siam that doesn't want to solve anything peacefully. I hope International community will help Cambodia.
In fact it's very good that way, World Community are really fed up of Thai misconduct.
This should be good for their economy.
Now Asian will take action on this matter. It is good way to protect our land from the dog in Siam.
Last few day, the Local Thai people fight some dogs near the border because they distrub the their living.
Take a look at very good satellite photos of Preah Vihear at http://www.preah-vihear.com (towards bottom of page)
Ah Siamese are so arrogant you troopers are bying one way ticket, you will see when Khmer have to fight. As I recently said you can try but don't wast you time and do not under estimate Khmer forces. you have a baloony Military might, we will recapture the whole SISAKET province in 6 weeks if we have to!. Your falsify History is always wrong, you proclamed that you're a pure Khmer nation, we, as Khmers in Cambodia is KHOM Nation! and then you wanted to claim Angkor Watt to support the idear? it must be insane, every body in the world know your true colour by now!.If I have to say about your Nation according to your faulsication HISTORY, I WOULD SAY THAT,YOUR NATION IS COMPARABLE TO A SEX TRANSITION BODY!, THAT DOESN'T MATTER HOW MUCH YOU PROCLAIM TO THE WORLD OF YOU WERE BORNED THE WAY YOUR DISIRED AT THE PRESENT, BUT THE RECORDED YOUR TRUE FILE OF BIRTH IS ALWAYS EXISTING. Bravo the Bravery of Khmers Soldiers! Down! Down! to I BAR Siamese!
Hi i am a Cambodian studying in Australia
yes i agreed totally with Khmerrization, there won't be any solution after meeting as you said. Your suggestions is helpful for Cambodia govt to take action immediately. This case of conflict, it needs absolutely the 3th party to intervene such as UN and ASEAN. So Govt of Cambodia must take action on this pathway immediately! Don't expect the result of the meeting!!! God blesses Cambodia
On behalf of Cambodian people, I am sorry for the insulted language to Thais in general, that recognize the fact and respect us!!! But few Thais thinking Preah Vihear temple belonging to them, must think carefully and reflect yourself!!!
11:25 AM, agree with you and Khmerization totally. don't waste time. Take each step at a time. If need be, take Thailand to the international court like in 1962 again and show the court all the treaty and maps from 1904, 1907 and 1908 agreements between Cambodia and Thailand. I am sure the court and the world will see that more Cambodian lands had been encroached by Thailand if they examine that treaty and maps carefully.
How can you go to u.n and ask for help when mafia cambodian government hate the u.n and don't want to talk to them. Let get real. The thai are doing this because they want to test the three monkeys brain in cambodia.
The UN is waiting for the letter from the Siam government, so what kinda of trickery they will come up with this time?
Is the Siam government is going the question the legitimacy of the UN?
Let me remind the thais:
There is not a big possibility that a conflict will erupt because ASEAN, the UN would bring their influence to restrain both sides.
It is not in the interest of the thais to have a conflict. Once you give in to nationalistic fanatics, no one knows the outcome.an outright war would wreak havoc.
thai economy would suffer a very serious blow. investors will pull out. thai stock market would crash and ruin millions of thais.Money will flow to other emerging nations. without economic clout no military clout. their main objective would be to feed their huge fat poulation.
thai become the pariah of the international community. Starting a war for the benefits of radical elements and national fanatism.
Condemnation from UN. who will be the thai allies?
Cambodians have been through war, deprivation and genocide. they can withstand the conflict.
thai threshold to pain and suffering is unknown. Do they have what it takes when the going gets tough. Bullies always flee when they lose their posturing
Cambodia is within her rights , internationally recognised by the world court and UN
Are the thais that foolish, willing to give up everything for jungle land.
But then again they have showed themselves to be very foolish many times
We cambodians are ready we are defending our legal and rightful territory
That's what you said also when the Viet was using Cambodia in the Vietnam war.
Stop denying the the truth, 12:14, search the record. When was the last time Cambodia ever suffer less than its enemy in the war?
yes, i like this approach to finding the solution to the crisis between cambodia and thailand. i'm sure cambodia will prevail in the icj arena if we have to do it again. and i'm sure icj help to protect cambodia from the bullying of thailand now and in future to come. be proud and thankful that the UN and the ICJ are there in the world to help solve the world's problem like this between cambodia and thailand. god bless cambodia.
trust me, thailand will back down when we use the UN and the ICJ to tell thailand to give it up. again, this is really easy solution, if we think about it; so, use the UN and the ICJ, cambodia, we will win because here we are dealing with the laws of the world, not the law of thailand or whatever, the law of the world. i'm already seeing thailand is gradually backing out of this mess they are getting themselves into even at the slight gesture of cambodia approaching and using the UN and the ICJ because thailand has a lot to lose and thank for due to the global economy, trust me on this. ASEAN body is also important in telling thailand to back off as well. totally agree with khmerization's editorial observation here. god bless cambodia.
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