Cambodia rebuts Thai claim over Preah Vihear decision

Fri, July 3, 2009
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Cambodian authorities on Friday dismissed claims by Thai Natural Resource and Environment minister Suwit Khunkitti that Cambodia failed to submit its plan for safeguarding and developing the Preah Vihear temple.

Hang Soth, General Director of the Preah Vihear National Authority said Cambodia has already submitted conservation plans to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) since April 4, this year.

Suwit who attended a meeting of World Heritage Committee in Spain said earlier that the committee has delayed its decision to list the Preah Vihear inscription since Cambodia has not yet completed its management plan.

"We don't understand why Thai leaders have said Cambodia has until next year to submit the plan," Hang Soth was quoted as saying by Phnom Penh Post as seen Friday on its website.

"We have already submitted our projects…Cambodians made the temple. Why can't we conserve it?," he said.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Koy Kuoung said the Thai statements were meant to cover up their failure at the Unesco meeting in Spain, where they were unable to get their challenge to the Preah Vihear listing on the agenda.

"The Thai leaders' comments are just to hide their failure to review the listing," he said.

The World Heritage Committee meeting in Spain on June 23-30 issued its decision 33COM 7B.74 as seen by The Nation has indeed mentioned that Cambodia has submitted its report for safeguard and development for the temple since April and the committee reviewed the report on April 24.

The committee made the request to the State Party (Cambodia) to submit to the World Heritage Center by February 1, 2010, a report on the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations by the committee in its decision 32COM 8B.102, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010.

In fact there is no extended scheduled as the time frame of February 2010 was mentioned in the previous decision in the 32nd session in Quebec paragraph 16 saying "further requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit to the World Heritage Centre by February 2010, for submission to the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010 a full management plan for the inscribed property, including a finalized map."

Thais Maintain Stance Over ‘Heritage’ Temple [-Siem min choal kbuon, Yuon min choal puth]

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
01 July 2009

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated his opposition to the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a Unesco World Heritage site Tuesday, despite a rejection of the UN agency that the temple be jointly managed.

Abhisit rankled Phnom Penh last month when he suggested that Thailand and Cambodian both maintain the 11th-Century temple, which has become the center of a longstanding military face-off along contested border areas nearby.

Abhisit told Thai media on Tuesday he stood by his position and would not remove the heavily armed troops that have been entrenched along the northern border since July 2008.

Thailand “needs to reserve the right to maintain its opposition to the temple listing,” Abhisit was quoted as saying. He also said the Preah Vihear issue would not affect relations between the two nations in other areas of cooperation.

Abhisit’s remarks follow the rejection of his proposal to Unesco last week and talks between the two governments to diffuse increased tensions and even more military build-ups along the border.

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Tuesday Abhisit’s remarks were a pretext meant to appease the Thai populace.

Thailand has undergone serious political shake-ups in the past year, with protesters forcing the ouster of one administration and replacing it with Abhisit’s.

“His statement is only to deceive the citizens of Thailand, and legally it has no meaning,” Khieu Kanharith said.

Army plans troop cuts near temple [-Thailand claims that UNESCO will review site listing]

World Heritage Committee to review site listing

1/07/2009
By WASSANA NANUAM and PRADIT RUANGDIT
Bangkok Post

"An informed source said there were currently around 5,000 Cambodian troops and 3,000 Thai soldiers in the disputed area."

"Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the Thai delegation had asked the WHC to comply with regulation 13, one of the World Heritage listing regulations. The regulation states that a bilateral listing would replace a unilateral listing if the listing had led to growing border conflicts between two concerned parties, he said." - [KI-Media: Thailand stirs the border dispute on purpose?]

The army plans to reduce troop numbers around the disputed Preah Vihear temple in a bid to ease border tensions with Cambodia.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday said there would be a reduction soon in the number of soldiers deployed around the mountain, where the ruins of the ancient Hindu temple sit, to comply with a recent agreement reached with Cambodia.

The agreement was reached between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon at the weekend, he said.

"But there won't be a complete pullout. It will simply be an adjustment to bring down the number of troops stationed there," Gen Anupong said.

"We still need troops in the area to reinforce our position that the area is ours."

Troop numbers around Preah Vihear should be reduced to the level the army maintained before the recent reinforcements were called in, Gen Anupong said. No exact timeframe has been set for the reduction. Further talks would be needed to specify troop levels that both sides would find acceptable, he said.

An informed source said there were currently around 5,000 Cambodian troops and 3,000 Thai soldiers in the disputed area.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti told the cabinet yesterday Unesco's World Heritage Committee (WHC) had decided not to review the temple listing as a World Heritage site until its annual meeting in Brazil next year, as requested by Thailand.

Mr Suwit, who has just returned from observing the WHC meeting in Seville in Spain, said the committee's decision was to allow Thailand to make better preparations for its objections to Phnom Penh's push to have the temple listed.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the Thai delegation had asked the WHC to comply with regulation 13, one of the World Heritage listing regulations.

The regulation states that a bilateral listing would replace a unilateral listing if the listing had led to growing border conflicts between two concerned parties, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the WHC's decision had helped keep the efforts to resolve the Thai-Cambodian border dispute on track.

It's matter between Thailand and Unesco ... never mind that Preah Viheae belongs to Cambodia!

It's matter between Thailand and Unesco : Thai PM

Fri, June 26, 2009
The Nation

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted Friday that Thailand's opposition to Unesco's listing of Preah Vihear Temple as World Heritage Site has nothing to do with Cambodia.

He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.

Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.

He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.

He said his trip was aimed at solving any misunderstanding between the countries. His visit would definitely not escalate the conflict between both countries.

Abhisit said earlier Thailand will ask Unesco to review its July 2008 decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the panel met earlier this week in Spain.

He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not unilaterally by Cambodia.

Thai official to avoid temple issue in Cambodia

Friday, June 26, 2009

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand's deputy prime minister said he would steer clear of a dispute over an ancient temple on the Cambodian border when he meets the neighbouring country's leader this weekend.

Troops from both sides have built up on the frontier in recent days near the the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple, where seven soldiers have died in clashes since tensions flared last year.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he is sending his deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, to Phnom Penh on Saturday to explain Thailand's decision to ask world heritage body UNESCO to reconsider listing the temple.

But following a warning by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that Thailand must respect his country's sovereignty, Suthep said he would now avoid the issue.

"I will not discuss any topic that could trigger conflict," Suthep told reporters in Bangkok.

"But do not jump to conclusions that my mission will not achieve anything. I am confident that bilateral talks will enhance a better understanding that Thailand will treat its neighbours cordially," he said.

Hun Sen vowed on Thursday to take a hard stance on the dispute over the temple, the ownership of which was awarded to Cambodia by the World Court in 1962, sparking decades of tensions.

Unrest flared in July 2008 after UNESCO granted world heritage status to the ancient Khmer temple with its crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings.

Thai army chief General Anupong Paojinda said on Friday that troops from both sides wanted to avoid clashes and were regularly speaking to each other to ease tensions.

"We will not be the first to start fighting," Anupong told reporters.

"The local commander told me the situation is still calm. Forces from both countries deployed at the temple are constantly in contact with each other and there is no indication that it could lead to confrontation," he said.

The Thai government will protest the listing of Preah Vihear at a UNESCO meeting which is continuing in Seville, Spain until June 30.

Suthep unlikely to achieve border breakthrough with Hun Sen: THAI MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?

June 26, 2009
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will likely face a tough stance from Cambodian Premier Hun Sen when they meet in Phnom Penh tomorrow to discuss the Preah Vihear Temple.

Suthep was assigned by Prime Minsiter Abhisit Vejjajiva, who is currently on an official visit to China, to discuss the sensitive issue with the Cambodian leader, who yesterday seemed to reject any comprehensive peace talks with Thailand.

Tensions have escalated at the Thai-Cambodian border, with Thailand's Second Army Area commander Lt General Wiboonsak Neeparn having rotated troops at Preah Vihear so that they are fresh and ready for a possible attack from Cambodia.

Cambodia has already boosted its presence in the border area.

Wiboonsak said his forces would exercise utmost restraint to prevent a military clash with Cambodia for the safety of Thai residents in the area.

Reflecting his tough position, Hun Sen was quoted by China's official Xinhua news agency as saying: "I will not listen to him [Suthep] about a clarification of jointly developing and jointly registering Preah Vihear Temple.

"But if he talks about the withdrawal of Thai troops from our soil, we can talk and welcome him."

"This is my message for him before he decides to visit Cambodia," Hun Sen said during a graduation ceremony at a university in Phnom Penh.

The controversial Hindu Khmer temple came under the spotlight again after the Thai Cabinet decided last week to maintain its objection to the site's World Heritage status, even though it was listed last July.

Bangkok's move has disappointed Phnom Penh, whose plan for safeguarding and developing the site has been delayed.

Cambodia also cannot convene a meeting of the International Coordination Committee scheduled since February, as Thailand has been reluctant to accept an invitation to sit on the panel.

Suthep is due to visit Phnom Penh tomorrow to explain the Thai position that it has no gripe with Cambodia, but has a problem with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Abhisit said on Wednesday that his government's move was aimed at preventing Unesco and other countries from getting involved in the areas claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

Natural Resource and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti attended the 33rd meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Spain this week to reaffirm the Thai stance, but Cambodian media reported that the committee had dismissed the Thai complaint.

Thailand also expressed its desire to participate in a joint nomination of Preah Vihear, but Hun Sen said the temple belongs to Cambodia, according to the 1962 verdict of the International Court of Justice.

Thailand is not a co-owner of that property, he said, asserting that the Preah Vihear Temple is now humanity's heritage.

The territorial dispute over Preah Vihear began when the World Heritage Committee decided last July to have the popular tourist attraction inscribed on its list of World Heritage sites, causing discontent among Thai nationalists and the then-opposition Democrat Party.

The dispute ignited two border skirmishes in October and April, which left at least four soldiers on both sides dead.

Cambodia wants all troops withdrawn from the overlapping areas.

The National Park of Phra Viharn, which is the gateway to Preah Vihear from the Thai side, has been closed for security reasons since the April clash.

A plan to reopen it next month has been suspended for an indefinite period, said Kasemsan Jinnawaso, director-general of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department.

Cambodian PM refuses to talk with Thai DPM on Preah Vihear temple

PHNOM PENH, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Thursday that he has no plans to talk about the issue of the listing of Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site with visiting Thailand's deputy prime minister.

"I will not listen to him on the case of clarification of jointly development and jointly registering of Preah Vihear temple, but if he talks about withdrawal of Thai troops from our soil, we can talk and welcome him," Hun Sen said at a graduation ceremony of a University in Phnom Penh.

The premier announced that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva "is sending Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Taugsuban to meet me on Saturday in unofficial visit to clarify about the stance of Thailand on 11 century Preah Vihear temple."

"This is my message for him before he decides to visit Cambodia," Hun Sen said, adding that Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia according to verdict of Hague Court (international court) in 1962. Thailand is not co-ownership of that property.

He also stressed that Preah Vihear temple is humanitarian heritage now. "We need the situation at areas near Preah Vihear temple return to prior to July 15, 2008."

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban told Thai media on Tuesday that he will visit Cambodia Saturday on a mission to clarify Thailand's objection to the listing of Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site.

Thai deputy premier will be accompanied by Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and other members of the Thai government.

The temple was listed in July 2008 as the World Heritage site, promoting an escalation of tensions between Cambodia and Thailand and a troop buildup along the border. Thailand has long sought the joint listing of the site.

According to Thai media report, Prime Minister Abhisit would request that UNESCO's World Heritage Committee review last year's decision to register Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site when the body convenes its annual meeting at the meeting in Spain, and he would request that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia.

Local newspaper on Thursday quoted Cambodian officials as saying that UNESCO has refused to hear a complaint by Thailand over Preah Vihear temple's listing as a World Heritage Site at the annual meeting of its World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain.

Abhisit admits: PV review request was not about joint listing, but more about border dispute

Preah Vihear move is about border rights, PM says

June 25, 2009
The Nation

"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia" - Somchai Phetprasert, Thailand chairman of House committee on military affairs

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he wanted to keep the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and international involvement away from Preah Vihear temple.

Cabinet's move to maintain its objection to World Heritage listing for the site, which it achieved last year, was just reserving Thailand's right to handle boundary demarcation with Cambodia, he said.

Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia in 2000 not to make any change in regard to "overlapping" areas claimed by both countries before the completion of demarcation, he said.

"As the temple is listed as World Heritage, there will be more hands involved, which is contrary to the MoU," Abhisit told reporters before leaving for China.

The historic cliff-top temple has been a point of conflict between Thailand and Cambodia for years.

The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia but Thailand argues that the court ruling did not cover adjacent land. Both countries claimed an area of 4.6 square kilometres near the temple.

Thailand's objection to the World Heritage listing stirred anger from Phnom Penh as the move delays its plan to develop the site.

Cambodia has yet to convene an international coordination committee to develop Preah Vihear, as Thailand has not decided whether to join the panel to run the site with seven other parties.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will visit Phnom Penh on Saturday to explain its stance to Hun Sen, the Cambodian premier.

Abhisit hoped Suthep would be able to calm Hun Sen down and reduce tension at the site.

Disputes over Preah Vihear led to fighting near the border temple in October last year and in April, which saw several soldiers killed on both sides.

Cambodia had boosted its forces in the conflict area since the latest moves, Second Army Region Commander Wiboonsak Neeparn said. "We have to adjust our troops to get ready but as I talk to my Cambodian counterpart, we don't use force to solve the problem," he said yesterday.

Chulalongkorn University academic Chaiwat Khamchoo said the government's objection to Cambodia's plan would not benefit Thailand but only created conflict with its neighbour.

Somchai Phetprasert, chairman of House committee on military affairs, accused the government of pushing the country nearer to war. Prime Minister Abhisit should talk with Cambodia about a joint nomination for the temple, Somchai said.

"Prime Minister Abhisit might be confused over the boundary. The Unesco won't deal with the boundary issue but will help to protect the site in Cambodia," he said.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Thailand's Review

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Cambodia’s Preah Vihear and Siam’s blindly greed

23 June 2009
Op-Ed by Kok Sap
Originally posted at http://khamerlogue.wordpress.com

Today the news from reliable source, Thailand delegation complaint against UNESCO decision over Cambodia Preah Vihear registration as world heritage has been flatly rejected by UNESCO meeting in Seville, Spain.

Preah Vihear is more than a firefight spats with Cambodia but it is the wake of Khmer patriotism for the inhabitants in old Khmer territories. Siam has prevented Khmer reunification since 1768 up to 1893. In order to sooth Khmer old sentiment, Siam had forced itself to return barely 1/3 of Khmer territories to Cambodia under French guns in 1893. From that defeat, Siam half Sino monarchs signed agreements between 1904-1907 with French Indochina governors to recognize Cambodia presently borderline which included Preah Vihear temple compound.

In 1962 after several armed clashes, Cambodia had honorably taken its dispute to the International Court of Justice in Hague and won the case. But Siam had not only reneged Court rulings but continued to perpetuate Preah Vihear temple and surrounding areas as its property.

To achieve its ambitious plot, Siam ruling family had employed and recruited Khmer ethnics and Cambodia dissenting politicians to wage border war against Cambodia government since. From the 50's on, Siam goal was to create insecurity and confusion for Khmer border villages from developing and establishing Cambodia sovereignty. Best, it forbade Khmers within Siam control from associating and rekindling with Khmers on the opposite side of its borderlines. Siam is one of the worst genocidal abusers in the region as the Yala-Pattani independence struggle seems to prove to the outside world how hypocritical Siam ruling family has been.

To many observers' eyes, Bangkok ruling family and PM Vejjajiva government attempts to capitalize its domestic unrest and political turmoil over Khmer Preah Vihear and border demarcation. PM Vejjajiva is hoping to rally support for his illegal government to stay in power after the opposition demands to have a new general election soon.

For centuries, Thailand has grown from no identity nation to what it is at the expenses of Khmer people. During the tyrannical rule of Marshall Sarit Dhanaraja and his under links back in the late 50's and 60's, Khmer language and customs were eradicated and forbidden from practice and carry on by the Khmer descendents living under Siam rule. Khmer scripts and literacy were destroyed and considered taboos and unacceptable for Khmer inhabitants in plateau regions to learn.

The Bangkok elites and palace Junta networks backed a Brit -Sino born Abhisit Vejjajiva to take over the government house barely five month ago. Now that the opposition threatens PM Vejjajiva power longevity, he is in despairs and colluding his ill will plot to polarize domestic political dysfunction over Cambodia's Preah Vihear registration with UNESCO.

Preah Vihear, a Khmer built temple in the 11th century, has been an old sore to Siam then Thailand imperialistic appetite since its late evil doer dictator Sarit Dhanaraja rule during the 50's and 60's.

Before Sarit reign of terror, Sino dominated Siam palace, employed a Khmer descent named Khuang as its Prime Minister and dictator to suppress and persecute Khmers. Khuang was born to a Khmer family and Siam palace lackey from Battambang.

Today, UNESCO has remained steadfast in maintaining its decision in honoring Preah Vihear as world heritage property and Cambodia, its sole proprietor.

A Brit-Sino born PM Vejjajiva visited Cambodia recently to feel out the pulses of Cambodia over its violation over Preah Vihear sovereignty and purposely not to raise his hidden agendas over Preah Vihear and border demarcation to Cambodia government attention. Thailand continues dispatching its intelligence operatives to gather vital information in Cambodia in disguise ranging from truck drivers, gamblers, and entrepreneurs based in Phnom Penh.

So as it seems Preah Vihear becomes a lightning rod for Thailand political failures in the world democracy arena if only Cambodia had gone ahead with its plan to lodge complaint with UN, NAM and ASEAN.

From all aspects, Thailand has had opportunities to shine over Cambodia tragic past for years and yet it wanted no better for Cambodia as its ASEAN neighbor and origin of cultural and language. The ASEAN 2015 implementation of common interest and market identity will be at risk if Thailand maintaining its over zealous attitude and rogue colonial power over Cambodia. However, it's humble to know and hear UNSECO decision to reject Thailand ill will complaint and honor Cambodia wish to share its heritage with the world humanity.

UNESCO rejects Thai PM’s demand for “joint listing of Preah Vihear temple” [-Soy Sopheap’s DAP can curse as well as Hun Sen, its master]

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
DAP news
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

KI-Media WARNING: This is unconfirmed news. Please treat it as such.

A high-ranking Cambodian government official source told “Deum Ampil” on 23 June 2009 that the UNESCO World Heritage committee has decided to reject the request made by Thailand’s prime minister who attempted to obtain a joint listing of Preah Vihear temple between Cambodia and Thailand.

This rejection by UNESCO brings a loss of face to the Thai government, and especially Thailand’s PM who came to power through a constitutional coup with the help of Thailand’s royal palace and a group of Thai generals. This loss of face clearly points to the serious defeat of Thailand’s ministry of Natural Resources and Environment which was tasked by Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thailand’s PM, to take this issue to the 33rd meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage committee in Seville, Spain. Thailand wanted to obtain a review of the listing of Cambodia’s Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

The current defeat brings up Thailand’s shameless ambition to the world’s attention, and it also shows Thailand’s attempt to violate Cambodian’s sovereignty and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear temple.

According to report from Bangkok on Tuesday, Thai deputy-PM Suthep Thaugsuban indicated that he will perform an official visit to Cambodia on Saturday to confirm to Hun Sen about Bangkok’s opposition stance to the listing of Preah Vihear temple.

Suthep said that “he and Thailand’s defense minister, General Pravit Wongsuwan, will visit Cambodia to meet with Hun Sen to explain to the latter and to clear up a number of misunderstandings about Preah Vihear temple between the two countries.”

Even though Suthep confirmed his trip to Cambodia this Saturday, Kuy Kuong, the spokesman of Cambodia’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that up to now, his ministry did not receive any diplomatic communiqué from Thailand about this trip yet. He added: “Up to now, we received information indicating the official visit of Thailand’s deputy-PM and its minister of defense to Cambodia, but as of Tuesday, the Cambodian embassy has not received an official communiqué about this trip yet, and neither does the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok.”

Suthep added: “Thailand and Cambodia shared the goal of avoiding continued border dispute in Preah Vihear area, and the current dispute is not between Thailand and Cambodia, but rather between Thailand the UNESCO World Heritage committee.”

Suthep added that he hopes to be able to get Bangkok’s point across to Hun Sen.

Information about Suthep’s visit to Cambodia under the order of Abhisit was reported following Hun Sen’s sharp reaction to the issue raised by the unlawful leaders of Thailand, including Abhisit, Thailand’s bitter (“Phler Lvea”) PM, and Kasit Piromya, the rude Thai Foreign Affairs minister with a big liver (“Thloeum Thom”), who dare ask UNESCO to review the listing of Preah Vihear temple and a joint listing of this temple.

This issue is raised by dumb-like persons, as if they were ghosts who lead a country with a population of 7 million. This is why Samdach Akok Moha Sena Bat Dey Dek Cho Hun Sen, the intelligent prime minister who is full of wisdom, expressed his strong regret about the issue raised by these retarded people.

Hun Sen told reporters at the ministry of Foreign Affairs: “I believe that these are his words as the PM of a country that disturbs the sovereignty of another country, and I regret his comments and his desire (Thai PM). During his visit to Cambodia, he did not raise this issue with me, but I believe that his goal will not be successful.”

Cambodian delegates to maintain cool at World Heritage meet

Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Written by Thet Sambath
The Phnom Penh Post

Thailand is threatening to challenge the listing of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site, but officials say they will not be drawn into a fight

DESPITE threats of a challenge from Thailand, officials say they will avoid discussing the tense border situation during a meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee that began in Seville, Spain, on Monday.

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan told the Post that Deputy Prime Minister Sok An would seek to avoid conflict, instead telling attendees about the Kingdom's plans for conserving and developing the 11th-century temple and the surrounding areas.

But he added that Cambodia "reserves the right to respond to questions from country members and defend itself against provocations from the Thai delegation on issues relating to Preah Vihear".

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced Wednesday that Bangkok would use the committee's 33rd session to challenge the validity of its July 2008 decision to list Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site.

UNESCO OFFICIALS ARE WONDERING AT THE THAI PRIME MINISTER'S ATTITUDE.

The committee's decision to inscribe the temple scuttled Thai hopes for a joint Thai-Cambodian submission to UNESCO and triggered a troop buildup and an escalation of tensions at the border.

Thai threats

Phay Siphan also quoted Sok An as saying that Abhisit had threatened UNESCO staff over the issue of Preah Vihear.

"Minister Sok An told me that [Abhisit] ... said the [World Heritage] status is the source of the border dispute," he said.

"UNESCO officials are wondering about the Thai prime minister's attitude. He has no right to threaten them because they work for the UN."

Bun Uy, a secretary of state at the Council of Ministers, said on Monday that the decision to award the status was made by UNESCO, and that as Cambodia had done nothing wrong, there was no reason to de-list the temple.

"Why does Thailand demand that UNESCO withdraw it?" Bun Uy asked. "What the Thai prime minister wants is just to show his party and supporters that he has tried to regain the temple."

Cambodia was awarded Preah Vihear temple by the World Court in 1962, but possession of the border area around the temple was never settled. At least seven soldiers on both sides have died in clashes in the area in the past year.

The government has sent reinforcements to the contested area on the northern border with Thailand. Sem Sophally, a resident of Sa Em village near the temple, said Monday that he had seen numerous RCAF trucks carrying soldiers heading to Preah Vihear the previous day.

"I was told they were sent there to reinforce the front line in the event of armed clashes with Thai soldiers," he said.

The army has constructed a number of military bases in villages near the temple, a source of national pride, over the past year. Srey Doek, the commander of RCAF Division 3, said Monday that the current situation is normal, but that his soldiers are on alert.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY NETH PHEAKTRA

Anupong visits tense Cambodian border

Anupong Paojinda

23/06/2009
BangkokPost.com

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda made a visit to the Thai-Cambodian border area near Preah Vihear temple on Tuesday morning.

His trip followed reports reported Cambodia had sent reinforcements of troops, 130mm artillery pieces and T-54 tanks to the border.

News media in Cambodia earlier reported there were unusual movements of Thai troops in expectation that the situation would become tense after Thailand asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to review the registration of the Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong also said his country was ready for any situation which might follow the reinforcement of troops on the Thai side of the border.

Thai officials visit Cambodia Saturday to clarify stance on Preah Vihear issue

BANGKOK, June 23 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday said he will visit Cambodia Saturday on a mission to clarify Thailand's objection to the listing of the Preah Vihear temple ruins as a World Heritage Site to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) agreed to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site of Cambodia in July, 2008.

Mr. Suthep said he and Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan would visit Cambodia to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to stave off any misunderstanding on the Preah Vihear issue between the two neighbouring countries.

He said Thailand and Cambodia had shared common stance to avoid border conflicts and the issue at the moment was not between Thailand and Cambodia, but Thailand and UNESCO's World Heritage Committee.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said earlier the government would ask UNESCO's World Heritage Committee to review last year's decision to register Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site when the meets this week in Spain.

He would also propose that the temple be registered jointly as a World Heritage Site by Thailand and Cambodia, not as a unilateral action by Cambodia.

Mr. Suthep said he hoped that after meeting, Mr. Hun Sen would better understand Thailand's stance.

In 1962 the International Court of Justice ruled that Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia, but the most accessible entrance begins at the foot of a mountain in Thailand, and both sides claim overlapping portions of the surrounding territory.

Armed clashes between the two military forces have since then occurred periodically near the temple, especially in a 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

Suthep to meet Hun Sen this weekend

23/06/2009
BangkokPost.com

Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he will on Saturday visit Cambodia to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and explain the case Thailand is making to Unesco about the registration of the Preah Vihear ancient temple as a World Heritage site by Cambodia.

Mr Suthep said the petition case is a matter between the Thai government and Unesco, and had nothing to do with Cambodia, which owns the temple.

If all conflict ws cleared up, the situation between the two neighboring countries would improve, he said.

He believed beither Thailand nor Cambodia wanted any problem with each other.

[Thai] Army beefs up temple forces [-Thailand is looking to provoke a war with Cambodia?]

Foreign Ministry fears border talks derailment

23/06/2009
By WASSANA NANUAM and THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL
Bangkok Post

The army has deployed a battalion of troops backed by heavy weapons near Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province in case of further clashes with Cambodian soldiers.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda had ordered the Lop Buri-based artillery to send the battalion of troops with 12 large artillery weapons to Pha Mor E-Daeng Cliff national park, a source said yesterday.

Gen Anupong also ordered a company of special warfare troops to guard the border area in the northeastern province with a battalion of infantrymen as reinforcements. There are now 3,000 infantrymen securing the border.

The source said the additional troops and weapons were not sent to provoke clashes with Cambodian troops but were there as back-up. Thailand had a clear policy not to use force to solve border disputes with Cambodia.

The wrangling over the historic temple ruins and recent strong reaction from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had sparked speculation of more clashes between the two countries.

The army commander will today fly to the border area in Si Sa Ket, the source said.

The Foreign Ministry has expressed concern that Thailand's objection to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's listing of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site last year could have a negative impact on border talks.

Vasin Teeravechyan, head of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, said Thailand's position could obstruct border negotiations, including the 4.6 square kilometre area claimed by the two countries close to the temple.

The commission will wait for a response from the World Heritage Committee on the Thai position in Seville and the outcome of talks between Cambodian officials and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban in Phnom Penh this week. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti has travelled to the Spanish city for talks with the WHC.

If the talks in Seville and Phnom Penh do not go smoothly, it could disrupt the collaboration pledged by the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers, Abhisit Vejjajiva and Hun Sen, during Mr Abhisit's recent visit to Cambodia on June 12.

The Thai World Heritage Committee last week informed the Thai cabinet about its decision to oppose the registration of the ancient Hindu temple.

It said last year's listing had violated the registration process and increased conflicts along the Thai-Cambodian border instead of promoting cultural conservation and tourism between the peoples of both countries.

[Preah Vihear issue] Too important for politics[: Bangkok Post]

(Photo: Reuters)

23/06/2009
EDITORIAL
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the government have some good ideas about moving ahead on the old, thorny and unfortunately violent issue of the temple of Preah Vihear. It is a shame that they have failed to develop those ideas properly. Instead of tackling the dispute as a many-faceted problem, they have sprung it on the public without notice or discussion. Instead of raising it with Cambodia as the temple's owner, they are taking it to the United Nations. Instead of treating Khao Phra Viharn Preah Vihear as an important diplomatic question, they are treating it as a political and military matter.

Two delegations are to strike out this week in opposite directions to address the temple issue. The local committee on heritage sites is heading for Spain. This Thai group has long had a low profile, acting chiefly as a liaison between the government and local authorities on one hand, and the World Heritage Centre of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on the other. The group supervises the management of the five designated heritage sites in Thailand: Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest, the Thung Yai-Huai Kha Khaeng wildlife sanctuary, and the Ban Chiang archaeological site.

Heading for Phnom Penh will be Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban. Mr Abhisit made an official visit to Cambodia last week but did not raise the temple issue with Prime Minister Hun Sen. Mr Suthep, who is no diplomat, must try to make the case that running the temple area is best handled by Thailand for reasons of geography or, failing that, by the two countries. That assumes Mr Hun Sen will agree to meet him.

Last weekend, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong held a special press conference just to criticise Thailand and to threaten more military clashes. On the Thai side, Mr Abhisit's policy seems consistent. A year ago, in the lead-up to the Unesco declaration, he and the People's Alliance for Democracy took a hard stance on Preah Vihear. But this sudden announcement has caught everyone off guard, including government supporters. It is unclear why the Foreign Ministry is being sidelined, since it has the staff and experience to approach their Cambodian counterparts.

The mission to the Unesco meeting in Spain appears in equal disarray. Mr Abhisit's sudden and unexpected decision to take the entire temple dispute back to Unesco is less than a week old. The Thai delegation is under instructions to ask the World Heritage body to withdraw last year's resolution to declare Preah Vihear as an official world heritage site under full control of the Cambodian government.

There is undoubted merit in Mr Abhisit's proposal for joint management of the temple region. But the premier may have set up the country for a fall. The public, Unesco members and Cambodia all have been given no preparation or background for the sudden initiative. Thailand is only an observer at the World Heritage Committee (WHC). One sees ghosts of 1959, when Thailand's advocate MR Seni Pramoj argued at the World Court that the temple was the property of Thailand. Lack of preparation by the team was blamed for the court's decision to award jurisdiction to Cambodia.

Joint management of the Khao Phra Viharn Preah Vihear area seems the only way to solve such a serious, even deadly, dispute. But that will require drawn-out negotiations by experts, with strong public participation. The Preah Vihear issue should not be a confrontation, but a common problem of Thailand and its neighbour, Cambodia. By constantly looking to the past, both countries are tacitly refusing to look to the future.

Why Are the Thai-Cambodian Relations Not Kept More Transparent?

Sunday, 21.6.2009
The Mirror, Vol. 13, No. 617

Please recommend the Mirror also to your colleagues and friends.

On Saturday, 13.6.2009, we carried the translation of a very positive retrospect: A Meeting between Hun Sen and Abhisit Vejjajiva Leads to Many Good Results and Proceeds in Good Atmosphere, based on statements by an assistant of the Cambodian prime minister. Now, some days later, the climate has definitely deteriorated. What has caused this change of the atmosphere?

Media in Thailand and then in Cambodia reported that the Thai prime minister had said Thailand would request that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee review the listing of the Preah Vihear temple, when this committee meets for its 33rd Session next week. And he added that the inscription of the Preah Vihear Temple so far had led to conflict between the two countries – an undeniale sad reality.

The rection of the Cambodian prime minister was very strong. These are the words as reported in a publication in Thailand:

“I think that as a prime minister of one country, his words infringed on the sovereignty of [Cambodia],” Hun Sen said, adding that during his visit last week to Phnom Penh, Abhisit failed to raise the issue in talks with the government.

I hope that his aim will not be successful, and I hope that UNESCO will not be stupid enough to go along with his gambit.”

We do not know which words were actually used, and what is an extended interpretation by the media or a result of the translations between Thai, English, and Khmer back and forth.

But there are sections in documents from 2008 to which we have repeatedly referred in the Mirror, pointing out that they were – as far as we could find out – never translated into Khmer for publication in the Khmer language press, containing important elements also relating to the present discussions. We quote some sections from them again:

World Heritage Committee Decision: 32 COM 8B.102

The World Heritage Committee,

. . .

4. Expressing gratitude to the governments of Belgium, the United States of America, France, and India for providing support for the work of experts to assist in this effort, and to the governments of China and Japan, as well as ICCROM, for providing valuable expert input to this process,…

6. Noting that the State Party of Cambodia submitted to the World Heritage Center the revised graphic plan of the property (RGPP) included in WHC-08/32.COM/INF.8B1.Add2 (hereinafter called ” RGPP”) indicating a revised perimeter of the area proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List,

7. Decides, on an exceptional basis, to accept, in view of the multilateral process leading to the elaboration of the supplementary report submitted in May 2008 by the State Party of Cambodia at the request of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, the information submitted by the State Party beyond the deadline established in the paragraph 148 of the Operational Guidelines;…

9. Notes that the property proposed for inscription is reduced and comprises only the Temple of Preah Vihear and not the wider promontory with its cliffs and caves;

10. Considers further that archaeological research is underway which could result in new significant discoveries that might enable consideration of a possible new transboundary nomination, that would require the consent of both Cambodia and Thailand;

11. Encourages Cambodia to collaborate with Thailand for safeguarding the value of the property, in view of the fact that peoples of the surrounding region have long treasured the Temple of Preah Vihear, and agrees that it would be desirable in the future to reflect its full values and landscape setting through a possible additional inscription to the World Heritage List…

12. Inscribes the Temple of Preah Vihear, Cambodia, on the World Heritage List…;

13. Adopts the following Statement of Outstanding Universal Value:

The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 meter long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.

Authenticity, in terms of the way the buildings and their materials express well the values of the property, has been established. The attributes of the property comprise the temple complex; the integrity of the property has to a degree been compromised by the absence of part of the promontory from the perimeter of the property. The protective measures for the Temple, in terms of legal protection are adequate; the progress made in defining the parameters of the Management Plan needs to be consolidated into an approved, full Management Plan;

14. Requests the State Party of Cambodia, in collaboration with UNESCO, to convene an international coordinating committee for the safeguarding and development of the property no later than February 2009, inviting the participation of the Government of Thailand and not more than seven other appropriate international partners, to examine general policy matters relating to the safeguarding of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property in conformity with international conservation standards;

15. Requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit to the World Heritage Center, by 1 February 2009, the following documents:

a) a provisional map providing additional details of the inscribed property and a map delineating the buffer zone identified in the RGPP;

b) updated Nomination dossier to reflect the changes made to the perimeter of the property;

c) confirmation that the management zone for the property will include the inscribed property and buffer zone identified in the RGPP;

d) progress report on the preparation of the Management Plan;

16. Further requests the State Party of Cambodia to submit to the World Heritage Center by February 2010, for submission to the World Heritage Committee at its 34th session in 2010 a full Management Plan for the inscribed property, including a finalized map.

It has – to our knowledge – not been reported in the Khmer press, that a number of the conditions described in the World Heritage Committee’s decision of July 2008, requiring international cooperation, and specifically cooperation between the governments of Cambodia and the government of Thailand, have been or have not been fulfilled. If we missed to see such reporting in the Khmer language press, we would highly appreciate to be informed about relevant sources.

It is therefore not just an idea of the Thai prime minister, but it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage procedure, to reconsider pending problems, as can be seen in the UNESCO announcement for the next World Heritage Committee to meet in Sevilla, Spain, from 22 to 30 June 2009.

The World Heritage Committee will consider requests for the inscription of new sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List when it meets for its 33rd session in Seville, Spain, from 22 to 30 June 2009.

Thirty new properties in total were submitted for inscription on the World Heritage List this year:

. . .

The Committee will also review the state of conservation of the 30 World Heritage properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and may decide to add to that list new properties whose preservation requires special attention. The List in Danger features sites which are threatened by a variety of problems such as pollution, urban development, poorly managed mass tourism, wars, and natural disasters, which have a negative impact on the outstanding values for which the sites were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

When the Club of Cambodian Journalists held the Fifth Editors’ Forum of Cambodia under the motto ‘Assessments by Editors of the Situation of Access to Information’ on 27 December 2008, a report on their findings and requests “to play a better role as conveyor of messages from citizens to the Royal Government and from the Royal Government to citizens,” specifically mentioned also as a problem:

“Access to information related to the Preah Vihear border disputes“

In spite of the questions left open by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, and the specific requests for further clarification, including between the governments of Cambodia and Thailand stated in the UNESCO documents, it is surprising that the Khmner press, which carried varios critical articles about the fact that Thai representatives, during some border meetings, used the Thai language version – Pra Viharn referring to the Preah Vihear temple – while the Khmer press did not translate and publish the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decisions in Khmer. It seems that the Khmer public is not much aware about what the Khmer government representative in this process actually agreed upon.

To do so would not only show what actually – and in detail – was decided. It would also be a contribution to inform the Khmer reading public about that some of the often repeated claims “that there is nothing to be discussed with Thailand anymore – everything is clear” is not true. The hard work to elaborate the details and to work towards mutual agreements has not yet started.

Thailand questions the ownership of Preah Vihear temple?

Thai challenges UNESCO over Cambodian temple grounds

June 22, 2009
ABC Radio Australia

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced that the country's heritage committee will ask UNESCO to reconsider its decision giving control of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding land to Cambodia.

That decision has led to deadly clashes between Thai and Cambodian border guards over the past year.

Thailand will ask the World Heritage meeting in Spain this week, for the grounds of the temple to be placed under joint Thai-Cambodian maintenance, arguing that most visitors approach the temple from the Thai side.

Presenter: Claudette Werden
Speaker: Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, Senior advisor to the Prime Minister's office

Click here to listen to the audio program (Windows Media)

WATTANAYAGORN: The meeting of UNESCOS committee is to be held in Spain, so the Ministry in charge of the membership notified the Cabinet that the Ministry as a representative of its member committee will protest against UNESCO's decision to allow Cambodia to register the temple areas alone, Thai prime minister did not reopen the issue anyway.

WERDEN: But now its sparked a huge diplomatic row between Cambodia and Thailand ago so we're going back to the same problem?

WATTANAYAGORN: Not really if you notice most countries Thailand in particular are not blaming anything on Cambodia we are just concerned about the role of UNESCO, the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was quite normal and stable until UNESCO allowed registration of the temple area not temple but temple area to be done unilaterally since then clashes took place, and since them life has been lost and since then casualties have been inflicted on the two countries, it is the responsibility we believe that UNESCO should attempt to look into this issue and matters closely and help try to solve them problem and try to come up with remedies and that is our position

WERDEN: I notice the Prime Minister is actually recommending some kind of joint governing committee between Cambodia and Thailand to control the area surrounding the temple?

WATTANAYAGORN: Indeed that is the rules of UNESCO, in areas that are not clear, in areas that are overlapping between countries UNESCO usually recommends the two countries or parties involved to jointly manage or register the areas and we're simplying reiterating UNESCO'S rules and that's what we are doing.

WERDEN: Can we just clarify you're talking about the area surrounding the temple, Thailand doesn't dispute the temple belongs to Cambodia?

WATTANAYAGORN: Well we certainly feel strongly that the whole area is not clear but of course the International Court of Justice many decades ago issued a statement and verdict giving Cambodia the right over the temple, but not the temple area, so we as part of the world community will recognise that verdict.

WERDEN: You're aware that Cambodia has issued a statement in the media rebuking Thailand for raising the matter again?

WATTANAYAGORN: We're not raising the matter, we're just acknowledging the attendance of one of our ministers who will be representing as a member of that committee meeting in Spain next week, so that is our position.

Thailand wants UNESCO to resolve what it couldn't get in 1962?

Thailand takes temple row to UNESCO

Monday, June 22, 2009
Claudette Werden
ABC Radio Australia

Thailand is appealing to the United Nations cultural organisation to find a solution to its bitter row with Cambodia over an 11th century temple complex.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has announced his country's heritage committee will ask the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to reconsider a decision giving control of the temple and its surroundings to Cambodia.

The decision has led to clashes between Thai and Cambodian border guards, with seven soldiers killed in the past year.

Thailand will ask a world heritage meeting in Spain this week for the grounds of the Preah Vihear temple to be placed under joint Thai-Cambodian maintenance.

Not blaming

Part of its argument is that most visitors approach the temple complex from the Thai side.

Dr Panitan Wattanayagorn, senior adviser to the Thai prime minister's office, told Radio Australia's Connect Asia program: "Most countries, Thailand in particular, are not blaming anything on Cambodia.

"We are just concerned about the role of UNESCO."

The adviser said: "The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was quite normal and stable until UNESCO allowed registration of the temple area - not (the) temple but temple area - to be done unilaterally".

"It is the responsibility, we believe, that UNESCO should attempt to look into this issue closely and help try to solve the problem and try to come up with remedies."

Overlapping

Dr Wattanayagorn said that in areas "that are not clear, in areas that are overlapping . . . UNESCO usually recommends the two countries or parties involved to jointly manage or register the areas.

"We're simplying reiterating UNESCO'S rules".

He said Thailand's position still was that the issue is unclear.

"But, of course, the International Court of Justice many decades ago issued a statement and verdict giving Cambodia the right over the temple, but not the temple area, so we as part of the world community will recognise that verdict".

Cambodia has issued a statement rebuking Thailand for raising the controversial land-claim again.