It's the right decision [for Thailand to puul out of the WHC] (whatever!)

2/07/2011
Kamol Hengkietisak
Bangkok Post

Thailand was right to withdraw from the World Heritage Convention as the WHC is intent on accepting the Cambodian government's management proposal for Preah Vihear without caring about Thailand's objections, notes Nha-Kran Laohavilai, Post Today editor.

Nakarn notes that if Thailand accepts the WHC's resolution concerning the management of Preah Vihear temple, it means that an international committee comprising people from several nations would be able to dictate to both the Thai and Cambodian governments that they comply. Since the management of Preah Vihear temple involves construction in the disputed territory claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, it is possible that eventually the disputed territory will be turned into Cambodian territory.

For three years now _ ever since the World Heritage Committee accepted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site as proposed unilaterally by the Cambodian government _ there have been constant troop clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along the border, which is contrary to the goal of Unesco's establishment of the World Heritage Committee, which is to advocate peace in listing heritage sites.

Now that the WHC is about to consider approving the Cambodian government's proposal for the management of Preah Vihear temple without waiting for border demarcation work on the disputed territory surrounding the temple, it is inevitable that Thailand has to withdraw.

Nha-Kran blamed the previous People Power Party (PPP) government for not objecting to the Cambodian government's proposal to list Preah Vihear.

This made it possible for Prime Minister Hun Sen to exploit Cambodia's listing success as a campaigning issue to win a general election.

Since then, the Cambodian government has tried every year to submit the temple management plan to the WHC without consulting Thailand even though it involves disputed territory. Each year, the WHC has postponed consideration of the temple management plan due to Thailand's objection.

This year, however, in a majority vote, the WHC decided to take up the consideration of the Cambodian government's temple management plan.

This prompted Thailand's decision to withdraw from the WHC, which takes effect in 12 months' time.

By withdrawing from the WHC, the Cambodian side can go ahead and restore Preah Vihear, but only on its side. Thailand will not allow Cambodian workers to cross over to the disputed territory claimed by Thailand and Cambodia.

Now that Thailand has withdrawn from the WHC, Cambodia cannot use its Preah Vihear management plan as an issue in the World Court at The Hague as Thailand no longer recognises the jurisdiction of the WHC on the issue.

Nakarn praised the Abhisit government, especially Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti for daring to make an important decision to protect Thailand's territory.

Let's see how the next government, which is likely to be led by Pheu Thai, handles this sensitive issue.