By Veera Prateepchaikul
Opinion
Bangkok Post
The warming of relations between Thailand and Cambodia after Thaksin Shinawatra's resignation as economic adviser to the Cambodian government should set the stage for a cordial atmosphere in the next round of border dispute talks.
Whether Thaksin’s resignation was voluntary or involuntary is not as significant as the action itself, which is mutually beneficial to both Thailand and Cambodia.
Even the convicted former prime minister stands to benefit from it – at least he will no longer be viewed with contempt by many of his compatriots for siding with Cambodia against his motherland.
Thaksin’s resignation, disclosed on Monday by the spokesman of the Cambodian foreign ministry Koy Kuong has prompted Bangkok to return its ambassador to Phnom Penh, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, who was recalled to Bangkok one day after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen named Thaksin an economic adviser last Nov 4. Mr Koy also said that Cambodia would reciprocate if Thailand reinstates its ambassador.
Although reinstatement of ambassadors has raised hopes of normalisation of relations between Thailand and Cambodia, this is a separate issue from the border dispute over the 4.6 square kilometres of land surrounding Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn, ancient temple claimed by both countries. This was clearly stated by Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith, who said that Thaksin quit because he was too busy elsewhere.
Whatever the real reason, the warming of relations in the aftermath of his action should help improve the atmosphere of the coming talks between the two countries to settle the border dispute. Although finding a solution which will be acceptable to both sides may not be easy.
To further ease the tension and to build up an atmosphere conducive to negotiations, it is recommended that the two sides withdraw their troops further away from the disputed territory in order to avoid any accidential clash that would unnecessarily heighten the tension.
And as far as Thaksin is concerned, it will be good for both Thailand and Cambodia and for the man himself that he stays away as far as possible from Cambodia. If he so wishes to serve Cambodia to make use of his extensive expertise and connections, he should and can do so after he returns home to face the one-year jail term imposed upon him by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.
For the disputed territory at issue, one reasonable way out which would be mutually beneficial is for the two countries to jointly manage the land and leaving aside the question of sovereignty pending negotiations, which are time-consuming.
Whether Thaksin’s resignation was voluntary or involuntary is not as significant as the action itself, which is mutually beneficial to both Thailand and Cambodia.
Even the convicted former prime minister stands to benefit from it – at least he will no longer be viewed with contempt by many of his compatriots for siding with Cambodia against his motherland.
Thaksin’s resignation, disclosed on Monday by the spokesman of the Cambodian foreign ministry Koy Kuong has prompted Bangkok to return its ambassador to Phnom Penh, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, who was recalled to Bangkok one day after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen named Thaksin an economic adviser last Nov 4. Mr Koy also said that Cambodia would reciprocate if Thailand reinstates its ambassador.
Although reinstatement of ambassadors has raised hopes of normalisation of relations between Thailand and Cambodia, this is a separate issue from the border dispute over the 4.6 square kilometres of land surrounding Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn, ancient temple claimed by both countries. This was clearly stated by Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith, who said that Thaksin quit because he was too busy elsewhere.
Whatever the real reason, the warming of relations in the aftermath of his action should help improve the atmosphere of the coming talks between the two countries to settle the border dispute. Although finding a solution which will be acceptable to both sides may not be easy.
To further ease the tension and to build up an atmosphere conducive to negotiations, it is recommended that the two sides withdraw their troops further away from the disputed territory in order to avoid any accidential clash that would unnecessarily heighten the tension.
And as far as Thaksin is concerned, it will be good for both Thailand and Cambodia and for the man himself that he stays away as far as possible from Cambodia. If he so wishes to serve Cambodia to make use of his extensive expertise and connections, he should and can do so after he returns home to face the one-year jail term imposed upon him by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.
For the disputed territory at issue, one reasonable way out which would be mutually beneficial is for the two countries to jointly manage the land and leaving aside the question of sovereignty pending negotiations, which are time-consuming.
1 comment:
One of the Khmer living through decade of generation and history merely have seen Cambodia to be vietnamization is undenial risk for Khmer dismay in the future.
Thai in my opinion is similarly in term of culture, religion...in reality Khmer regarding Thai as too elegant, distinguished seft to noble class, of being smart ect...as khmer do not see the urgent risk with Thai to loose our soul and land seemingly facing with Vietnam.
Vietnam is playing dummy political games, soft, smooth and too friendly for benificial their cause but in the long run will be a Cobra or dying cancer for Khmer. I do not see Thai or Vietnam being diferently noble to khmer that I have encountered with Khmer intellectual and professional, scholar worldwide is contrary to Thai underestimate to Khmer elite, that have never been involved in Khmer decision making how to lead the country....only the Khmer ignorant leader who is greedy power and moneys who has made Cambodia down to year zero.
Thai & Khmer could resolve a conflict about Preah Vihea.
Compatriot Khmer
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