Tuesday, 08 July 2008Written by Post staff
The Phnom Penh Post
Preah Vihear temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after years of efforts by Cambodian officials to get the 11th-century Hindu monument listed, sparking jubilant celebrations across Phnom Penh.
The inscription, approved on July 7 by the 21-nation World Heritage Committee during a UNESCO meeting in Quebec, Canada, comes despite an ongoing dispute with Thailand over ownership of the land surrounding the temple, which sits atop an escarpment on the border between the two countries.
Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled on July 8 that Thailand's cabinet violated the Kingdom's constitution by endorsing a deal supporting Cambodia's bid for World Heritage listing.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said the same day, however, that the listing “is another new pride for the Cambodian people and the Kingdom of Cambodia."
“Again, I confirm that the listing of Preah Vihear temple ... does not affect the process of border negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand. I profoundly thank all Cambodian people for their heartfelt support,” he added in a statement that was broadcast over state media.
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters later in the day that Cambodia's border committee was still working with its Thai counterpart over demarcating their mutual boundary.
"We always want good cooperation with Thailand," he said.
As Cambodia woke to the news that Preah Vihear was now a world landmark, crowds took to the streets, waving flags and banging drums. Hundreds of university students left their classrooms, jamming traffic as they massed near the University of Health and Sciences to sing the national anthem.
"I am very happy to hear the good news about the temple. I wish for it to bring good luck, more tourists and prosperity to Cambodia," said Phnom Penh resident Phon Samon, who attended a ceremony held by the Khmer Civilization Foundation in front of the Royal Palace.
Moeung Sonn, who is president of the Foundation which was formed in response to the Preah Vihear dispute, called the listing a "second victory" for Cambodia, the first being the 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice which gave the Kingdom sovereignty over the temple.
Despite the listing, however, the international border crossing at Preah Vihear remains closed following demonstrations there last month by Thais claiming that the temple belongs to Thailand – underscoring continuing tensions with Cambodia.
"It is too early to re-open the checkpoint. It will not be opened anytime soon," said Preah Vihear provincial governor Preap Tan.
"We have to see what the situation is first. We don't know how the Thais are going to react to this," he added.
In Phnom Penh, police were deployed to the Thai embassy last week amid concerns that the temple dispute could spark violent protests reminiscent of the 2003 riots, during which the embassy and numerous Thai-owned businesses were looted and burned.
The trouble five years ago started over false rumors that a Thai starlet had claimed Angkor Wat – the most important symbol of the once-mighty Khmer empire – belonged to Thailand.
"More police are on standby to protect the embassy if there is any rioting," said Mary Tes, the police official in charge of the detachment outside the Thai mission.
But he added that the UNESCO decision to list Preah Vihear would help ease tensions.
“Before, I was worried about security because we did not know if the temple would be registered. But now I am glad because it was officially approved by UNESCO and it is not a problem anymore," he told the Post on July 8.
The inscription, approved on July 7 by the 21-nation World Heritage Committee during a UNESCO meeting in Quebec, Canada, comes despite an ongoing dispute with Thailand over ownership of the land surrounding the temple, which sits atop an escarpment on the border between the two countries.
Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled on July 8 that Thailand's cabinet violated the Kingdom's constitution by endorsing a deal supporting Cambodia's bid for World Heritage listing.
Prime Minister Hun Sen said the same day, however, that the listing “is another new pride for the Cambodian people and the Kingdom of Cambodia."
“Again, I confirm that the listing of Preah Vihear temple ... does not affect the process of border negotiations between Cambodia and Thailand. I profoundly thank all Cambodian people for their heartfelt support,” he added in a statement that was broadcast over state media.
Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters later in the day that Cambodia's border committee was still working with its Thai counterpart over demarcating their mutual boundary.
"We always want good cooperation with Thailand," he said.
As Cambodia woke to the news that Preah Vihear was now a world landmark, crowds took to the streets, waving flags and banging drums. Hundreds of university students left their classrooms, jamming traffic as they massed near the University of Health and Sciences to sing the national anthem.
"I am very happy to hear the good news about the temple. I wish for it to bring good luck, more tourists and prosperity to Cambodia," said Phnom Penh resident Phon Samon, who attended a ceremony held by the Khmer Civilization Foundation in front of the Royal Palace.
Moeung Sonn, who is president of the Foundation which was formed in response to the Preah Vihear dispute, called the listing a "second victory" for Cambodia, the first being the 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice which gave the Kingdom sovereignty over the temple.
Despite the listing, however, the international border crossing at Preah Vihear remains closed following demonstrations there last month by Thais claiming that the temple belongs to Thailand – underscoring continuing tensions with Cambodia.
"It is too early to re-open the checkpoint. It will not be opened anytime soon," said Preah Vihear provincial governor Preap Tan.
"We have to see what the situation is first. We don't know how the Thais are going to react to this," he added.
In Phnom Penh, police were deployed to the Thai embassy last week amid concerns that the temple dispute could spark violent protests reminiscent of the 2003 riots, during which the embassy and numerous Thai-owned businesses were looted and burned.
The trouble five years ago started over false rumors that a Thai starlet had claimed Angkor Wat – the most important symbol of the once-mighty Khmer empire – belonged to Thailand.
"More police are on standby to protect the embassy if there is any rioting," said Mary Tes, the police official in charge of the detachment outside the Thai mission.
But he added that the UNESCO decision to list Preah Vihear would help ease tensions.
“Before, I was worried about security because we did not know if the temple would be registered. But now I am glad because it was officially approved by UNESCO and it is not a problem anymore," he told the Post on July 8.
12 comments:
If King Sihanouk did not win Preah Viheah, these Cambodjunks don't have anything to be happy about.
Would like to see the real faces of the anti_King Sihanouk.
Do they have any shame when they freak their azz up and scream 'til their anus go red because Preah Vihear return. T'was a sad spectacle, none of these fools say thank to King Norodom Sihanouk for the victory.
Yet military strategy defeat is not a distasteful thing to these anti_Sihanouk suckers driven by "Gotcha smiling fucking faces" rather than truth.
King Sihanouk was born in the wrong country, he should have been born in Thailand, then Preah Vihear would have never been fallen into the hand of these disgrace retarded Cambodgjunks.
Anyone wishing to engage Cambodia in anything should at the very least look at the true of these fools who respond to comments without taking times to properly read.
Maxwell
Oh my God, Thailand!
Why don't you stay calm. This belongs to Cambodia. Becareful, Don't get heart attack because of your jealousy. If you keep on and on. This must be your corse comes.
Having your neigbor country being happy, you should be happy too.
Please Stay in Peace, God will be with you.
Well...
some people are so fool.. that only shout the name of Hun Sen or Sam Rainsy...
what did these 2 peoples have exactly done for the country?
Khmer Canadian
Maxwell don't be so bitter, because what is ours is ours! And what is yours and yours. I'm sure the Thais did not sleep well knowing that they lost their battle. And us Cambodians are celebrating and dancing for this joyous and momentous occasion.
CHEYO KAMPUCHEA!
You have too much Maxwell coffee and your brain is so fuck up from too much caffeine!
Listen up fool! King Sihanouk may have won the Khmer Phrea Vihear temple against the Thaicong but he also brings total destruction to Cambodia by colluding with the Vietcong and the Khmer Rouge to attract B-52 carpet bombing on Cambodia! So whatever King Sihanouk had done for Cambodia in the past or in the present and the good will cancel out the bad! I see no reason to talk about King Sihanouk any longer without invoke the good and the bad memory!
Oh please! You mother fucker want to teach Cambodian people how to read? The issue here is not about reading or rereading or reading between the lines! This is the issue of acknowledgement for Cambodian people greatest achievement in art and culture and Cambodian people want to be recognized and share with the world! Thank to UNESCO, now Cambodian people have their recognition and also they can share their great achievement with the world!
By the way if you have problem with UNESCO for recognizing Cambodian people greatest achievement and I suggest you go drink some more Maxwell coffee and let the caffeine kick you in the head! Ahhahahhaha
The poor slob in Cambodia must returns the temple back to the Khmer people in Issan province.
Your fool 11:11PM your fucking name should be Maxist! You stupid communist beleive that if without Moa Seng Tong, Lenine, your mother will fuck with a dog ang you will have a dog head instead of your dog face now!
With no Sihanouk we would hane litle Tor, or Kong Hean would take care of the problem! don't be a fool go educated yourself!
To the Khmer Issan in 2:39 AM. You do not represent the thai people in general. We are the REAL Thais believe that only small group of thai politicians and others are trying to disturb the good relationship of the two countries. We have never been against Cambodia for the listing of the temple.
You are not thai's friend, but thai's slave. You are disgrace and bring bad reputation to our thai people. So, stop your stupid dream of getting the temple. It belongs to Cambodia, not your stupid slave of our king. It is wasting off our thais money and time to educate stupid people like you.
Great observation Maxwell.
Most of these people who make comments are darn stupid.
I am not sure if Preah Ang Runrot is dancing with Phalla Runrot overseas to celebrate the Temple Listed as World Heritage.
Achar Knoy
I agree with Maxwell first post and Khmer Canadian third post.
Most of Khmers are shortsighted and they are so easy to be targeted.
Khmers in all parties should learn how to say Thanks to those who contributed to the victory not a one person.
And no doubt about it, King Norodom Sihanouk won the Preah Vihear in 1962 by the help of his US attorneys. Hun Sen governmnet's duty is to protect what belongs to Cambodia after the King.
Max,
You're not so well!
Come! I give you some cream to go with your coffee.
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