Thursday, November 26, 2009

Surakiart: Bangkok should open talks [with Cambodia]

26/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The Thai government should make the first move to open talks with Cambodia on resolving the dispute between the two countries, former foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai said on Thursday.

Speaking at a seminar on Cambodian issues at the faculty of political science of Chulalongkorn University, Mr Surakiart said there were many factors contributing to the continuing rift between the two countries. These included past conflicts, overlapping maritime areas, the border dispute around the ancient Preah Vihear Temple and Thailand's political problems, especially the activities of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Nationalistic tensions on both sides should be reduced and the Thai government should revise its strengths, weaknesses and bargaining power in analysing the Cambodian government's next move, he said.

"The Thai government should organise bilateral talks with other countries to clarify the Thai-Cambodian situation," Mr Surakiart said. "The Thai government should also make the first move and approach the Cambodian government in a show of seniority and pressure the Cambodian government to explain different bilateral issues."

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Thais never stop thinking that they are better than the Cambodians.

They have adopted Cambodian system of writing and several other cultural dances and practises and still continue to look down on the Cambodians.

It is too bad we couldn't move further from these people.

We can't afford to be divided! Let us continue to find ways to work together.

Anet Khmer

KE said...

Why put pressure on the Cambodian government rather than Thai's government itself who had triggered the problems/conflicts while Cambodia has the right to register the Khmer Ancient Temple of Preah Vihear in the world heritage list. Without that problem started, Cambodia has no any problem at all with Thailand, but the diplomatic row is getting worse if any resolutions are not met. Thailand tried to retaliate to Cambodian government by any forms and means, although it tries to withhold the aid and cancellation of the signed MOUs. Is this right/appropriate action? Don't thais think it is violating the international conventions?

Thai must pay at cost they damaged to Cambodia; including diplomatic relations and the burned down Khmer market on the stair case of Preah Vihear temple.

Anonymous said...

Ah Siam can't talk as human being.

Anonymous said...

Siem have superiority complex!ahaha

Anonymous said...

remember what siem did to the khmer refugee in the refugee camps in the late 70s and early 80s, phnom dangrek and many other events. Ah siem is barbarous. they raped, killed, stole and intimidated. ah siem is cruel. after my experience with siem during the refugee camp, i always want to see ah siem gets terribly punished. do not listen to ah choar siem.