Thai Troops Stand Guard Against Cambodians In Fresh Dispute

[sriracha john]

Cambodia gets more time to submit Preah Vihear plans

Cambodia has until February next year to submit its plan for safeguarding and developing the Preah Vihear temple, Natural Resource and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said yesterday.

The World Heritage Committee's decision initially obligated Cambodia to submit its plan by February this year, following the temple's heritage inscription last July.

However, Phnom Penh has not been able to submit many details of the plan, including a map of buffer zones around the site, owing to its boundary conflict with Thailand.

Fortunately, the delay has given Thailand a chance to campaign for a joint nomination of the Hindu temple with Cambodia, Suwit said.

The controversial Preah Vihear attracted renewed international attention after Thailand maintained its objection to the temple's inscription, which resulted in an angry outburst from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and tension at the border.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva did not discuss the campaign for a joint nomination. However, he did say that since Cambodia has more time to submit its plan, it would have an opportunity to follow the World Heritage Committee's decisions and clear up any difficulties along the border.

"We have expressed our concerns to the World Heritage Committee over several sensitive issues because we don't want to have problems or any tension with Cambodia," Abhisit said.

However, acting government spokesman Panitan Watanayagorn interpreted the delay as a victory for Thailand, following Suwit's heavy campaign during the committee's meeting in Spain from June 23 to 30.

He said the delay would give Thailand a chance to seek better understanding from members of the World Heritage Committee.

"The government hoped the World Heritage Committee would allow the two countries to jointly run the temple," Panitan told reporters.

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda said he would redeploy troops to border areas adjacent to the Hindu temple in accordance with the government's policy to pave the way for a peaceful solution.

"We don't have a time-frame, but it depends on the satisfaction of both countries. We have a common intention not to use force," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-07-01

[sriracha john]

Thai PM says delayed Preah Vihear temple World Heritage Site registration could solve problems

BANGKOK, June 30 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday he believes a delay in registering ancient Preah Vihear temple on the Thai-Cambodian border as a World Heritage Site could allow the two countries to be able to solve other border problems.

Mr. Abhisit told journalists that Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti had briefed Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, held earlier in the day, on his attending the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Seville, Spain between June 22-30, and that he had handed a letter to the Committee that comprised a Thai government request to review Cambodia’s unilateral application for the historic temple to be listed as a World Heritage Site.

UNESCO agreed at the Seville meeting to delay the formal registration of the temple as a World Heritage Site until next February as the organization still has a number of other matters to implement, Mr. Abhisit said.

The delay, said Mr. Abhisit, could give an opportunity to the two countries to solve other problems related to the border.

UNESCO granted Cambodia’s application for Preah Vihear temple to be designated a World Heritage Site in July 2008. Thailand has argued that the action had led to several armed clashes around the temple and urged the world agency to review its approval.

-- TNA 2009-06-30

[jayboy]

http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/06/25/pol...cs_30105971.php

-- The Nation 25th June

[jayboy]

It's interesting that, as far as I can see, the quoted article from The Nation was not posted at the time of publication, given that every other article on the subject is brought to the attention of the forum - usually by the same person.Could it possibly bethe reason for this is that this article points out a few painful truths for the PAD school of whipped up nationalism? Members - or those that have an interest in this ridiculous banana republic squabble- will make up their minds about the moral and intellectual integrity this implies.

[EmU]

No need to be afraid of the Cambodian.

The Swedish will be delivering the new planes soon.

In all seriousness, history has shown in this region air superiority doesn't always bring victory when pitted against hardened guerilla fighters like those ex-Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian side of the border.

Thailand can only lose here, in the international media they are perceived as bullying a weaker neighbour and if they engage militarily they could get another bloody nose and lose face.

If the Thais step too far over the line the real military power in the region, Viet Nam, could come to Cambodia's aid and things could get quickly out of hand.

I just returned from cambodia last night after a 4 day visa run and the talk there is that Thailand is planing a military exersize in the disputed territory on the 8th which will probably lead to more clashes and the vietnamese are massing troops along their border with cambodia in order to come to the aid of the cambodians dont know if its true or not but thats the talk going around at the moment.

[DaleBlue]

No need to be afraid of the Cambodian.

The Swedish will be delivering the new planes soon.

In all seriousness, history has shown in this region air superiority doesn't always bring victory when pitted against hardened guerilla fighters like those ex-Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian side of the border.

Thailand can only lose here, in the international media they are perceived as bullying a weaker neighbour and if they engage militarily they could get another bloody nose and lose face.

If the Thais step too far over the line the real military power in the region, Viet Nam, could come to Cambodia's aid and things could get quickly out of hand.

I just returned from cambodia last night after a 4 day visa run and the talk there is that Thailand is planing a military exersize in the disputed territory on the 8th which will probably lead to more clashes and the vietnamese are massing troops along their border with cambodia in order to come to the aid of the cambodians dont know if its true or not but thats the talk going around at the moment.

I hope what you hear is not true. Pattaya is just a short distance from the Cambodia border. Maybe I should move to Phuket just to be on a save side.

[sriracha john]

It's interesting that, as far as I can see, the quoted article from The Nation was not posted at the time of publication, given that every other article on the subject is brought to the attention of the forum - usually by the same person.Could it possibly bethe reason for this is that this article points out a few painful truths for the PAD school of whipped up nationalism? Members - or those that have an interest in this ridiculous banana republic squabble- will make up their minds about the moral and intellectual integrity this implies.

It's good to see you are finally contributing to the forum by posting news that supports your opinion; the same as every other member is encouraged to do so.... but don't confuse "integrity" with "opinion."

Edited July 8, 2009 by sriracha john

[jayboy]

It's interesting that, as far as I can see, the quoted article from The Nation was not posted at the time of publication, given that every other article on the subject is brought to the attention of the forum - usually by the same person.Could it possibly bethe reason for this is that this article points out a few painful truths for the PAD school of whipped up nationalism? Members - or those that have an interest in this ridiculous banana republic squabble- will make up their minds about the moral and intellectual integrity this implies.

It's good to see you are finally contributing to the forum by posting news that supports your opinion; the same as every other member is encouraged to do so.... but don't confuse "integrity" with "opinion."

Well good of you to say so, but frankly I don't have the time or inclination to post news items regularly.I appreciate the public spiritedness of most of those who do as a service to TV members.The reason I posted the article in question is that a whole raft of articles had been posted on this subject, but with the glaring omission of an opinion piece that challenged received opinion.Those who publish a constant stream of articles on various subjects - sometimes several a day - have a responsibility to aim for a reasonably fair coverage.That's the reason for my comment on moral and intellectual integrity.

Incidentally I have no problem at all in posting an article which expresses a view I disagree with, but nevertheless is informed and interesting.

Edited July 9, 2009 by jayboy

[sriracha john]

It's interesting that, as far as I can see, the quoted article from The Nation was not posted at the time of publication, given that every other article on the subject is brought to the attention of the forum - usually by the same person.Could it possibly bethe reason for this is that this article points out a few painful truths for the PAD school of whipped up nationalism? Members - or those that have an interest in this ridiculous banana republic squabble- will make up their minds about the moral and intellectual integrity this implies.

It's good to see you are finally contributing to the forum by posting news that supports your opinion; the same as every other member is encouraged to do so.... but don't confuse "integrity" with "opinion."

Those who publish a constant stream of articles on various subjects - sometimes several a day - have a responsibility to aim for a reasonably fair coverage.

I don't share that opinion myself. For that, you'd need to be an automated RSS bot, which I am not. That's the only way to include all articles on both sides of a topic.

I think it's incumbent upon all posters that if they disagree with someone else's opinion to post news clippings in the news clippings forum that supports their stance on an issue.

Voicing my opinion in that manner has nothing to do with integrity.

Incidentally I have no problem at all in posting an article which expresses a view I disagree with

Do you have example posts of that?

Edited July 9, 2009 by sriracha john

[churchill]

Cambodia deploys tanks at border

Cambodia is reported to have deployed six tanks and a large number of troops along its border with Thailand near Preah Vihear temple on Friday morning.

It was also reported that Thai troops have built 20 large bunkers to strengthen their positions on the border against any Cambodian troop incursions.

Chief of the Sao Thong Chai Tambon Administrative Organisation in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharaluck district, Boonmee Buatan, said he had warned people to refrain from traveling to border area near the ancient Khmer temple.

continued at http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...tanks-at-border

-- Bangkok Post 10/07/09

[sriracha john]

Sisaket Governor Plays down Border Clash

The Governor of Sisaket province believes the recent clash between Thai soldiers and Cambodian loggers will not cause a new round of border dispute.

Authorities in Sisaket did not find the bodies of two Cambodian soldiers reportedly killed in a clash with a Thai military force while they were escorting illegal loggers cutting trees in a border area in Khun Harn District.

Thai soldiers seized two chainsaws and one rifle after the gunfight.

Local authorities believe the bodies have already been brought back into Cambodia as a score of Cambodian soldiers reportedly tried to sneak into the area to bring the bodies back but they were pushed back by Thai forces.

Sisaket Governor Rapee Pongbupakit said the clash will not escalate into a border dispute.

He warned farmers whose land is near the border to seek protection form the border police unit in the area as more Cambodian loggers may sneak in again.

Rapee also visited and delivered moral support to members of the border police unit and officials of the Panom Dongruk National Park who were engaged in the clash with the Cambodian loggers.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-13

Edited July 13, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Call for opening of Preah Vihear national park

The government should consider to quickly reopening the Preah Vihear national park in order to rehabilitate the ailing economy of the border province of Si Sa Ket, the province’s chamber of commerce chairman, Sriwan Kiatsuranont, said on Wednesday.

The trade and tourism related businesses in the northeastern city have been severely affected since the state authority shut down the national park. “The Preah Vihear national park is the only tourism selling point of Si Sa Ket and the southern part of the northeast region. The park’s closure has driven away tourists from our province”, the chairman stated, adding that Cambodia has continued to opening its Preah Vihear ancient temple for foreign tourists and local travelers.

He called on the government to reopen the national park to rehabilitate trade and tourism of the province business as soon as possible.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...r-national-park

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-22

[Oberkommando]

The Thai Government still banging on about this.

Nearly every piece printed in Thailand's English language papers is full of wishful thinking, misinformation, Thai government propaganda and downright lies. Much the same as the nonsense they churn out about the hunt for Thaksin.

I was in Cambodia over the weekend and the general feeling is the Thais will continue to try to bully Cambodia into submission but the Cambodians are adamant they will not back down.

The Thais need to let go and accept the UNESCO ruling.

[Plus]

Nearly every piece printed in Thailand's English language papers is full of wishful thinking, misinformation, Thai government propaganda and downright lies...

I was in Cambodia over the weekend and the general feeling is the Thais will continue to try to bully Cambodia into submission but the Cambodians are adamant they will not back down.

As if there's no such thing as propaganda or nationalism in Cambodia and Hun Sen is some kind of libertarian.

What you are saying is that they are better at brainwashing their population.

Edited July 22, 2009 by Plus

[Oberkommando]

Nearly every piece printed in Thailand's English language papers is full of wishful thinking, misinformation, Thai government propaganda and downright lies...

I was in Cambodia over the weekend and the general feeling is the Thais will continue to try to bully Cambodia into submission but the Cambodians are adamant they will not back down.

As if there's no such thing as propaganda or nationalism in Cambodia and Hun Sen is some kind of libertarian.

What you are saying is that they are better at brainwashing their population.

What I am saying is the Thai government is trying to bully a weaker nation to submit to their demands over the Preah Vihear temple dispute and the surrounding land.

Cambodia is in the right here and doesn't need to lower itself to the dirty politics, lies, fraudulent nationalism and the general unacceptable behaviour the PAD and subsequently the Thai government has resorted to over the UNESCO ruling.

Cambodia will give Thailand another bloody nose if fighting starts again and if Thailand escalates the conflict Viet Nam will probably get involved and the Thais are no match for them as history clearly shows.

[Plus]

It was Cambodia's responsibility to secure Thailand's cooperation when trying to enlist the site on World Heritage list.

They decided they didn't need it, didn't need to be good neighbours, and went alone, over Thai protests. Now it backfired, they blame Thailand for that, and even accuse it of bullying.

As for them being "in the right" - I don't know anyone who subscribes to their version of the temple being Buddhist, not Hindu. Ok, they got a French expert to back them up, but for the rest of the world the temple is undeniably Hindu.

Even if you let this nonsense about the origins pass, the next step in Cambodian logic, that Hindu part of the heritage is not worth being preserved, is even more outrageous.

Bottom line - Cambodia wants the money from foreign tourists, they can't care less about any cultural heritage, they'll twist and turn it any way they like for the sake of business. And for the sake of preserving the heritage, this attitude has to be stopped.

[sriracha john]

Thai and Cambodian Authorities: No Further Clashes at Preah Vihear Site

Thai and Cambodian defence authorities affirm there will be no further clashes at Preah Vihear site.

On Wednesday, the 7th Secretariat Meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee, presided over by the Cambodia's Deputy Defence Minister, General Nieng Pad and the Director of Thailand's Department of Border Affairs, Lieutenant-General Nipat Thonglek, concluded with the promise of no further clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers at the disputed site of Preah Vihear Temple.

In this regard, Cambodia's Deputy Defence Minister and the Director of Thailand's Department of Border Affairs co-hosted a press conference to reveal the results of the meeting.

General Nieng Pad said he is pleased with the outcome of the meeting and is proud that the two sides worked together to find a common solution to the issues at the border. He added that relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been amicable all along. The meeting concluded that both sides should avoid any further confrontation at the Preah Vihear Temple.

With regard to the withdrawal of troops from the Preah Vihear Temple, General Nieng Pad said the committee discussed this approach at every meeting, and there have been talks at the government level about this option as well.

He assured that relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been good at all levels, from the people who live at the border to the soldiers and the authorities of both sides.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Nipat Thonglek said the results of the meeting will be forwarded for implementation depending on the decision of the Cabinet and the Senate. He believes the meeting has eased the tension between the two countries and cleared some misunderstandings.

The seventh Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee meeting will take place in Thailand in September. The meeting will be presided over by Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Cambodian Defence Minister General Tia Bahn.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-23

[sriracha john]

Govt told: Scrub Preah Vihear accord

About 30 members of a network of people following up the Preah Vihear dispute on Monday morning rallied in front of Government House and called on the government to withdraw from the joint Thai-Cambodian statement of June 18 last year which supports Cambodia's unilateral listing of the temple as a world heritage site.

The joint statement was signed by then foreign minister Noppadon Pattama without prior consent of parliament.

The group, led by ML Walwipa Jaroonroj, an academic at the Institute of Thai Studies at Thammasat University, said the Democrat-led government should revoke the joint statement and formally inform the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) and the world community.

Thailand should also step up its opposition to Cambodia's unilateral registration of Preah Vihear as a world heritage site, otherwise it could lose its

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...joint-statement

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-27

[zzaa09]

It was Cambodia's responsibility to secure Thailand's cooperation when trying to enlist the site on World Heritage list.

They decided they didn't need it, didn't need to be good neighbours, and went alone, over Thai protests. Now it backfired, they blame Thailand for that, and even accuse it of bullying.

As for them being "in the right" - I don't know anyone who subscribes to their version of the temple being Buddhist, not Hindu. Ok, they got a French expert to back them up, but for the rest of the world the temple is undeniably Hindu.

Even if you let this nonsense about the origins pass, the next step in Cambodian logic, that Hindu part of the heritage is not worth being preserved, is even more outrageous.

Bottom line - Cambodia wants the money from foreign tourists, they can't care less about any cultural heritage, they'll twist and turn it any way they like for the sake of business. And for the sake of preserving the heritage, this attitude has to be stopped.

Nonetheless, history will always be on their side.

[sriracha john]

Cambodia, Thailand need to solve border issues with peaceful deal: PM

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Wednesday that Cambodia will not use armed forces to deal border issues with Thailand.

"Our policy does not need to use troops to deal the border matters and we need to deal border issues with peaceful deal," he said at a gradation ceremony of a University in Phnom Penh.

Before his departure for Thailand to join the 6th joint committee meeting for bilateral cooperation, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong told reporters on Tuesday, "I will request to Thai side to speed up the measurement of border between the two countries to reach to plant the border markers soon."

Cambodia and Thailand share over 800 km long border. The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand began after Preah Vihear temple was listed as World Heritage in July last year.

Since then, troops from both sides have deployed and reinforced in the so-called disputed area within the perimeter of some 4.6 square km, but each side is claiming that they are only based on their land.

- Xinhua / 2009-08-05

[bunuel]

Isn't it time for both sides to accept binding international arbitration before this tempest in a teapot escalates into a war that neither side wants or can afford??? Please, wake up and smell the coffee guys - wars have been started over less!

Thai troops stand guard near temple

NAKHON RATCHASIMA : Thai troops are ready to use force to counter a Cambodian troop build-up along the border in a fresh dispute over a hill near Preah Vihear temple, the head of the 2nd Army says. The move follows Cambodia's claims that Hill 600, about 7 km east of the historic temple, had been seized by Thai soldiers. Thailand has denied the allegation.

Second Army Chief Wibulsak Neepal said troops were stationed at spots around Hill 600 to conduct border patrols, but had never invaded Cambodian territory. He said Thailand would not withdraw its troops. The presence of soldiers in the area was normal as they had to guard Thai territory to prevent possible incursions pending talks on demarcation of the disputed area.

The deployment of Cambodian troops nearby in response to the Thai move has prompted speculation that there might be a new round of border clashes. Lt-Gen Wibulsak said any border problem must be solved step by step or through negotiations.

''If Cambodia resorts to the use of force, Thailand would exercise its right to self-defence,'' he said.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1768...ard-near-temple

-- Bangkok Post 2009-06-01

[bunuel]

Since UNESCO and the World Court has already declared that Preah belongs to Cambodia, and it is only a fringe element of Thai society that disputes this international arbitration. Afraid Khun Plus is living in a Cloud Cuckoo Land of his own!

It was Cambodia's responsibility to secure Thailand's cooperation when trying to enlist the site on World Heritage list.

They decided they didn't need it, didn't need to be good neighbours, and went alone, over Thai protests. Now it backfired, they blame Thailand for that, and even accuse it of bullying.

As for them being "in the right" - I don't know anyone who subscribes to their version of the temple being Buddhist, not Hindu. Ok, they got a French expert to back them up, but for the rest of the world the temple is undeniably Hindu.

Even if you let this nonsense about the origins pass, the next step in Cambodian logic, that Hindu part of the heritage is not worth being preserved, is even more outrageous.

Bottom line - Cambodia wants the money from foreign tourists, they can't care less about any cultural heritage, they'll twist and turn it any way they like for the sake of business. And for the sake of preserving the heritage, this attitude has to be stopped.