Map of the 1962 ICJ's verdict: Areas above yellow line is Thailand. Areas below yellow line is Cambodia. Red stars with arrows are spots where clashes took place on 3rd April, 2009.Opinion by Khmerization
15th May, 2009
The recent diplomatic wars of words between Thailand and Cambodia over claims and count-claims of compensation for damages caused by recent border clashes are a cause for concerns. The wars of words will certainly increase military and diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours if both sides do not seek a compromising solution any sooner.
Cambodia had sent a diplomatic note demanding for $2.1 million in compensation from Thailand for the destruction to a Cambodian market and villagers’ homes during the 3rd April fighting.
Cambodia believe that it has the right to seek reparations for damages to 264 stalls that caused 319 families to be homeless because their stalls and homes were deliberately and directly targeted by Thai shells.
But, Thailand, who, due to its military superiority, has signalled that it will never budge to Cambodia’s demand. Instead it has responded with a threat of counter-claims. The Thai response was nothing short of dishonesty. It is arrogant and it is full of threats. By trying to absolve its responsibility, Thailand, had turned around and claimed that those stalls and homes were built on Thai soils and threatened to lodge a counter-claim.
Mr. Kasit Piromya, the Thai Foreign Minister, had gone another step by reminding Cambodia about the military rules of engagement that would inevitably cause collateral damages.
The Thai claims had ignored many fundamental factors about military rules of engagement and facts involving the history of the Preah Vihear disputes. Military rules of engagement dictates that both sides of the military conflict must refrain from targeting civilian entities. Thai army, in this case, had undeniably broke the rules of engagement by deliberately targeting the Cambodian civilians.
Thailand had also ignored the International Court of Justice (ICJ) fundamental rulings when it claimed that the areas belong to Thailand or that they are situated in a dispute zone.
One of the ICJ’s rulings stated that “Thailand is under an obligation to withdraw troops or police from the Temple, or its vicinity on Cambodian territory”. This clearly shows that the ICJ had adjudicated the areas in the “vicinity” of the temple as belonging to Cambodia. Maps from the 1904-1908 Treaty, signed by both Cambodia and Thailand, had also put the Preah Vihear temple and the areas in its “vicinity“ in inside Cambodia. So, the notion that the surrounding areas had not been adjudicated by the ICJ is a misconception.
In another front, the Thai Nation newspaper had attacked the integrity and the sincerity of Cambodia in relation to the border conflicts. It called Cambodia’s claims of compensation as “absurd” and “another step backward for peace”. It also accused Unesco of ignoring the Thai court injunction by deciding to inscribe the temple unilaterally without Thailand’s agreement. It had also accused Cambodia of not being “sincere about reconciliation”.
The Nation’s accusation is preposterous. First, Unesco, as an independent international institution, does not need to seek Thailand’s permission to inscribe Preah Vihear temple because the temple is solely and exclusively the property of Cambodia.
Secondly, Cambodia has been very sincere and patient for the last ten months. Cambodia had refrained from using force when Thai soldiers forced their ways in to occupy the Preah Vihear vicinity on 15th July, 2008. Cambodia was very patient and sincere in engaging Thailand peacefully and diplomatically, even though Thailand had appeared to have played games with Cambodia during the many fruitless talks. Cambodian soldiers were forced to use force only as a last resort when Thai troops, in a provocative and arrogant manner, repeatedly encroaching on Cambodian territories that resulted in the deadly clashes on 15th October 2008 and 3rd April 2009.
The Nation newspaper, and Thailand in particular, had on many occasions accused Cambodia of laying fresh mines that have maimed many Thai soldiers. The Thai accusation is a self-admission that the areas claimed to be Thai territories are actually located inside Cambodian territories because it is impossible for Cambodian troops to cross into Thai territories and lay mines there.
Peaceful co-existence between neighbours can only possible if they treat each other with respect. Cambodia, being a small and weak nation, has not been treated with respect by its powerful neighbours to the west and east since time immemorial. And, as long as Cambodia is weak economically and militarily, Cambodia will continue to be disrespected by its neighbours for many centuries to come. If Cambodia desires to be treated equally and with respect, then it is imperative that Cambodia strengthen its economic and military powers significantly.
15th May, 2009
“Peaceful co-existence between neighbours can only possible if they treat each other with respect. Cambodia, being a small and weak nation, has not been treated with respect by its powerful neighbours to the west and east since time immemorial. And, as long as Cambodia is weak economically and militarily, Cambodia will continue to be disrespected by its neighbours for many centuries to come.”
The recent diplomatic wars of words between Thailand and Cambodia over claims and count-claims of compensation for damages caused by recent border clashes are a cause for concerns. The wars of words will certainly increase military and diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours if both sides do not seek a compromising solution any sooner.
Cambodia had sent a diplomatic note demanding for $2.1 million in compensation from Thailand for the destruction to a Cambodian market and villagers’ homes during the 3rd April fighting.
Cambodia believe that it has the right to seek reparations for damages to 264 stalls that caused 319 families to be homeless because their stalls and homes were deliberately and directly targeted by Thai shells.
But, Thailand, who, due to its military superiority, has signalled that it will never budge to Cambodia’s demand. Instead it has responded with a threat of counter-claims. The Thai response was nothing short of dishonesty. It is arrogant and it is full of threats. By trying to absolve its responsibility, Thailand, had turned around and claimed that those stalls and homes were built on Thai soils and threatened to lodge a counter-claim.
Mr. Kasit Piromya, the Thai Foreign Minister, had gone another step by reminding Cambodia about the military rules of engagement that would inevitably cause collateral damages.
The Thai claims had ignored many fundamental factors about military rules of engagement and facts involving the history of the Preah Vihear disputes. Military rules of engagement dictates that both sides of the military conflict must refrain from targeting civilian entities. Thai army, in this case, had undeniably broke the rules of engagement by deliberately targeting the Cambodian civilians.
Thailand had also ignored the International Court of Justice (ICJ) fundamental rulings when it claimed that the areas belong to Thailand or that they are situated in a dispute zone.
One of the ICJ’s rulings stated that “Thailand is under an obligation to withdraw troops or police from the Temple, or its vicinity on Cambodian territory”. This clearly shows that the ICJ had adjudicated the areas in the “vicinity” of the temple as belonging to Cambodia. Maps from the 1904-1908 Treaty, signed by both Cambodia and Thailand, had also put the Preah Vihear temple and the areas in its “vicinity“ in inside Cambodia. So, the notion that the surrounding areas had not been adjudicated by the ICJ is a misconception.
In another front, the Thai Nation newspaper had attacked the integrity and the sincerity of Cambodia in relation to the border conflicts. It called Cambodia’s claims of compensation as “absurd” and “another step backward for peace”. It also accused Unesco of ignoring the Thai court injunction by deciding to inscribe the temple unilaterally without Thailand’s agreement. It had also accused Cambodia of not being “sincere about reconciliation”.
The Nation’s accusation is preposterous. First, Unesco, as an independent international institution, does not need to seek Thailand’s permission to inscribe Preah Vihear temple because the temple is solely and exclusively the property of Cambodia.
Secondly, Cambodia has been very sincere and patient for the last ten months. Cambodia had refrained from using force when Thai soldiers forced their ways in to occupy the Preah Vihear vicinity on 15th July, 2008. Cambodia was very patient and sincere in engaging Thailand peacefully and diplomatically, even though Thailand had appeared to have played games with Cambodia during the many fruitless talks. Cambodian soldiers were forced to use force only as a last resort when Thai troops, in a provocative and arrogant manner, repeatedly encroaching on Cambodian territories that resulted in the deadly clashes on 15th October 2008 and 3rd April 2009.
The Nation newspaper, and Thailand in particular, had on many occasions accused Cambodia of laying fresh mines that have maimed many Thai soldiers. The Thai accusation is a self-admission that the areas claimed to be Thai territories are actually located inside Cambodian territories because it is impossible for Cambodian troops to cross into Thai territories and lay mines there.
Peaceful co-existence between neighbours can only possible if they treat each other with respect. Cambodia, being a small and weak nation, has not been treated with respect by its powerful neighbours to the west and east since time immemorial. And, as long as Cambodia is weak economically and militarily, Cambodia will continue to be disrespected by its neighbours for many centuries to come. If Cambodia desires to be treated equally and with respect, then it is imperative that Cambodia strengthen its economic and military powers significantly.
22 comments:
Thai troops have deliberately targeted civilians so they have broken the international rule of military engagement. The rule of engagement the opposing armies to target military target. It is criminal to target civilians.The Thais have broken that rule so they can be sued at International Criminal Court in the Hague.
Thai did what they want because Cambodia get an idiot leader run the country over 3 decades! They dare calling him AH NEAK LENG! BAN TER KNONG CHNAING(STRONG ONLY TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE!)
Ah Neak Lenh Hun Sen, one-eyed prime minister of Cambodia, and the rubber king of Cambodia had violated the 1991 Paris Peace Accord, by signing additional illegal treaties giving Khmer territories to Vietnam in 2005.
Thailand, as a signatoried country on that Paris Peace Agreement, has, won't have duty to obey this International Accoprd anymore.
Ah Kh'vang Hun Sen and Ah Khmer King had to be blamed first for this matter.
Where Ah Kwack Hun Sen? Chor Siems are coming to invade Cambodia at will. Yes, this Neak Leng Hun Sen is strong to kill their own people.
12;03PM.
Thanks for the video of Thai crown prince and his naked wife. This guy is sick and run too wild.
Not bad the whole world see his wife, the future Queen naked body. She looks pregnant and her breasts are small like Socheata's doss kekekeke...
I heard the male servant addressed her "Prah Mae." Oh shit. :))))))
Thailand dare to look down on Khmer because we get a coward and uneducated leader like Hun Sen.
Agree with 2:24PM! Thai dare to look down on khmer beacuse cambodia has stupid dumbass leader and Sdach Pleu and Sdach Lop Lop running the country...
Norodoom his own country!
I don't think Thai gonna pay for those damaged around the Temple area, unless Ah kwack be more serious about it! so far he's still playing soft and kissing Thai-ass again!
Thai would not pay because Hun Sen is not serious. He only pretend to lodge compensation claims just to get support that he cares about our borders.
I don't think Thais are going to pay for this. There will be another wars, which they hope to control all the areas.
I don't think Hun Sen is a bad leader either compared to Khmer leaders during post-Angkor era. He is not educated, but he has natural talent and skills that no one can defeat. The half part for any leader during the post-Angkor era is the influence of either Thais or Yuon, and the Khmer opportunists.
One would see the result under the current government reforms. If you are the ignorants, you will never dare to speak the truth.
Surya
'natural talent and skills'??? Come on, Hun Sen has been let survive by the Yuons. Without the Yuons, this one-eyed blind mad dog would have been long gone with the wind. I'd rather put my blame on Khmer leaders who have been reckless and intoxicated with power and pride than on the neighboring agressors.
Why Hun Xen does not want to go to World court one more time? We need to go there to tell the world that Thailand is illegally occupying our land. We have nothing to be afraid of. The court cannot change 1904-1908 border treaty if it decides to rule in favor of Thailand. We can still stay at Preah Vihear no matter what because of the treaty.
Surya has some good points.
There are two kind of people who hate Hun Sen.
1- Hun Sen is hated for his nepotism and his contrary to the law.
2- Hun Sen is hated for every reason.
I am in group 1.
Surya has some good points.
But you have to understand why people hate Hun Sen.
There are two kind of people who hate Hun Sen.
1- Hun Sen is hated for his nepotism and his contrary to the law. Hate for the right reasons.
2- Hun Sen is hated for every reason.
I am in group 1.
Firstly, my hat go off to all the Khmer compatriots, scholars, intellectuals, and the Khmers around the world in and outside the Khmer Empire nation, who's tirelesly to helps fought for Khmer Krom to reach our independent in the near future.
Secondly, this coming June the fourth Khmer Krom and Khmer around the world will commemorated and observed the lost of Kampuchea Krom 60th aniversaries. To all Khmer around the world, please help participates in this events by seeking the information from Khmer Krom representative everywhere in your community.
Thirdly, my respectfully goes to the team of KI-Media. So far your team had done a tremendous job for the Khmer benefits and keep up the good works.
Fourthly, to all Khmer abroad please bring back The Fourth Factions or Paris Peace Accord unity strategy models.In the early ninety the only Youn pullout from Cambodia because we Khmers had united. Back then king Seyhanouk had all the power, popularity and was incharged. Every body respected him from Khmer perspective and the international community perspective. If I were him I would use this power and popularity to declare to the world community that the Khmer people still under the supression, aggression of Youn and Seam. In doing so, his reputations and credibility will be installed next to the Great Khmer King Jayavarman VII.
In the case of Kampuchea Krom, if we use this exact models we Khmer will once again liberated Kampuchea Krom from the Youn iron grips.And possibly Khmer Krom can declare their independent or reannexed to Cambodia who knows.
Respectively your,
Khmer Empire
Cambodian drama stem from bad if not destructive leaderships. Cambodian ruling governments from long gone era did not serve nor protect its citizen. They instead always used the citizen as instrument for their power and bead winner. Cambodian people are not treated as human. If poor, widowed, women, orphan, or handicapped, they were treated as useless or worth less than an ox which can be used in rice field work.
Unless our mentality change, nothing will be improved in their life as a member of a society.
We still have to learn to live as a society and not to turn to other foreigners for help each time we have internal conflict or conflict with our neighbors.
We are all children of God. We should turn to God and learn to act and live as child of God as He intend us to be.
God sent Bodhidharma to Cambodia and south est Asia to raise our spiritual level of living. But we do not practice it. we trample it to the ground
Rely on God for any sustainable solution. Man made solution will not achieve worthwhile results. Suffering will continue, especially the poor and needy. But the riches and powerful won't escape either.
Separate politics from a religion, will ya? Can you give just a little explanation about how to live as a child of God? And how would you practice it. In my opinions, we should face the real challenges, and set religion separately from politics. When we totally plunge into a deep pond of a religion, we will become passive, allowing thing to go as it has been wrongly twisted by the evils, because most Khmer leaders are the pretenders of religion.
All Khmers,
Ah one-eyes prime minister, and rubber stamp king of Cambodia will not bring this matter to the world court anymore.
Why ???
Otherwise it will hurt VIETNAM, Hun Sen's master, as Vietnam is planning to finist her Vietnamisation of Cambodia:
1- Divide Khmers to fight each other to take time for their Viet planning.
2-Viet won't do again like in 1840 by killing off Khmers. Viets implementa policy of SLOW DEATH for Cambodia by using a SOFT POWER inside Khmer society and administration: Flock of Viets into Cambodia, Viet cells directed and ordered Hun Sen what to do for the benefit of Vietnam.
6:13AM is right! i totally agree with him 100%! Vietnam is planning death's games inside cambodia for along time....a slow death-games!!
I just hope and pray that our khmer leaders are alert and awake...
this is the correct, official map that both countries signed and ratified under the 1907 treaty that saw the creation of modern boundary lines for cambodia and all the neighboring countries as well. so, respect it, thailand (siem)! the map don't lie and it hasn't changed a bit since it became effective since then. so, don't try to unilaterally change the map, thailand. this map is the proof of the agreement then and forever will be the same. when we look at the thai unilateral map and this official map from the time of the international agreement or treaty, we can see thailand's unilateral claim of their new map which they drew up themself of course without cambodia's agreement or whatever. that's not right and cambodia will never accept this robbing of khmer land, never! see you guys in court again soon! can't argue with the official map like this one from 1907. god bless cambodia.
The Thai government is simply learned from Hun Sen who is a lawless mafia government in Cambodia. Before We, Khmer, blame Thai for not obey and follow international law, we should look at our homeland problem first. We don't need PHD to see the problem, only the first grade can understand and see the problem.
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