Thai PM Calms Tensions Over Cambodian Anthem Incident

[webfact]

Prasat Ta Muean Thom temple. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

An incident at Prasat Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin has rekindled historical tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, sparking concern among locals and officials alike. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has sought to downplay the situation, urging calm and emphasising diplomatic relations.

 

The incident unfolded when a group of 25 Cambodian women, dressed in traditional garb, visited the temple in Phanom Dong Rak, Surin province, on February 13th. As they began to sing the Cambodian national anthem, Thai soldiers intervened, prompting a heated exchange with a Cambodian military officer. The brief standoff at the 11th-century temple highlighted the sensitive nature of the border area, long contested by both nations.

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn responded to the incident, stating, "It’s nothing," and reassuring the public of her intent to visit Cambodia soon to smooth over any misunderstandings. "There is no problem," she reiterated, expressing her commitment to maintaining cordial relations.

 

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai elaborated on the situation, underscoring the temple's location on Thai soil despite historical disputes. He noted that while Thailand permits Cambodian visits to the temple, overt symbolic gestures, like singing a national anthem, are discouraged as they can reignite dormant tensions.

The historical backdrop of this incident involves the Preah Vihear temple, another flashpoint in Thai-Cambodian relations. Disagreements over the temple's ownership escalated into a military clash in 2008. A subsequent ruling in 2013 by the International Court of Justice delineated the land, attributing areas around the temple to Cambodia, while specifying northern territories as Thai.

 

In the wake of the Surin incident, the Suranaree Task Force submitted a formal request to Cambodia's 4th Military Region, expressing discomfort with the anthem singing. Maj Gen Somphob Pharawet, commander of the task force, has since instructed his troops to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, aiming to keep the peace along the delicate border.

 

As diplomatic efforts continue, both nations are reminded of the delicate balance required to manage their shared history and geography. The Thai government's measured response and commitment to dialogue signal a desire to manage tensions constructively, ensuring stability and cooperation in the region.

 

The overarching goal remains maintaining harmony and goodwill, allowing both nations to focus on mutual growth and development beyond territorial debates, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-19

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

More misbehaving tourists coming into Thailand visa free. 

Or are they spies?

According to reports in other papers, the Cambodian military officer (he was a general) was wearing a long sleeved, plain white shirt.

Not in uniform.

[Gottfrid]

Yeah, never make a stand! Too scared.

[lordgrinz]

Were they deported and blacklisted?

[crazykopite]

It’s a sad day when you are stopped from singing your countries national anthem regardless where you live in the world 

[Purdey]

There is a reason those border temples were once called Khmer Temples. However, modern times means a change in attitude by everyone. Cambodia should consider it's friendship with Thailand before stirring up bad feelings 

[LukKrueng]

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothin' to kill or die for

And no religion, too

Imagine all the people livin' life in peace

Yoo, hoo, oo-oo

[stoutfella]

6 hours ago, crazykopite said:

It’s a sad day when you are stopped from singing your countries national anthem regardless where you live in the world 

You should go to the UK.