Border Snarl Up As Cambodians Demand Truck Payment

[caf]

As a general rule I do read the OP. Then Plus, I rely on you to explain it to me.

That's not very charitable is it?

You and others were well off topic.

[samran]

Thanks Plus, I needed a reality check. Now I'll go back to moderating before you remind me again!

I had the same problem, just the other way...

[jamesjdaly]

Of course the Thais don't like it when they are the subject of tighter and non-sensical restrictions concerning entering a country. Som nam naa.

[Chunkton]

As a general rule I do read the OP. Then Plus, I rely on you to explain it to me.

Everyone has the potential to understand news articles and restrain himself from immediately posting anti-PAD rants. You just have to put a little extra effort.

And it's not only your problem, so don't despair.

I would hardly equate Nation articles to news articles, they are opinion pieces with an agenda. And looking at their balance sheet it would seem most are not impressed with their biased slant and are no longer buying.

Cambodia hassles Thais at border following a PAD thug attack at border. Yeah, can't see any connection there, why would anyone even mention it and upset your sensibilities?

Are you trying to set yourself up as the thought police? Sounds like the Ministry of Truth. Is this a discussion forum or not?

[mca]

Asked why the Cambodian customs officials did not inform the truck drivers in advance, he replied that he'd taken a leaf out of Khon Kaen police's book when blocking off roads for another frigging parade or event at the city shrine at rush hour so the usual 15 minute journey home takes an hour and a half of traffic jams.

I feel better now.

[nisakiman]

As a general rule I do read the OP. Then Plus, I rely on you to explain it to me.

Everyone has the potential to understand news articles and restrain himself from immediately posting anti-PAD rants. You just have to put a little extra effort.

And it's not only your problem, so don't despair.

I would hardly equate Nation articles to news articles, they are opinion pieces with an agenda. And looking at their balance sheet it would seem most are not impressed with their biased slant and are no longer buying.

Cambodia hassles Thais at border following a PAD thug attack at border. Yeah, can't see any connection there, why would anyone even mention it and upset your sensibilities?

Are you trying to set yourself up as the thought police? Sounds like the Ministry of Truth. Is this a discussion forum or not?

Yes, Plus does sound like a man with a drawer full of yellow T-shirts!

I agree with Chunkton that it seems more likely a retaliation (albeit rather petty) for the recent PAD incursions. I doubt even the Khmer border (minor) officials would have the authority to action a tightening up of the rules. It's much more feasible that the orders came from the powers that be in PP.

[brahmburgers]

How close is that border crossing to the region where the young man was purportedly shot and then burned while still alive? (though, admittedly, we may never really know what happened in that macabre incident).

It could be the border captain was having a bad hair day, or his toothbrush fell in the squater when he went to answer the phone while brushing - we don't know.

Interesting how one person can cause such a hassle for so many people. Well at least we don't live in a region where people strap on bomb belts and go out to crowded markets when they have a grievance.

[Scott]

Oh, that's what you guys always say about Thaksin!

[Plus]

It seems there are three options now:

a. Cambodians wanted to teach PAD a lesson for beating up fellow Thais, so a week later they devised a scheme to ask for huge deposits from truck drivers. Sondhi was devastated

b. Cambodians were really upset at Thais burning teenagers alive. In about two weeks they finally thought how to get back at Thai military.

c. The least probable at all, so won't even mention it. Suffice to say it appeared in the Nation and had a name and organization of the guy who offered that completely stupid, impossible to even contemplate version.

So there. Proudly typing in my yellow t-shirt.

[geriatrickid]

What the Nation offers is a purported quote from a Thai official speculating as to the reason for this.

And how's that an excuse to start bashing PAD for an unrelated matter?

Also the article mentions that the border commission official retreated into Cambodian territory, so I assume that the source of the explanation is Cambodian.

But let's not forget The Nation and start bashing them, as well.

Why can't you stay on topic and not provoke people into defending PAD or the Nation or whatever else you decide to attack?

Let's look at what I wrote and your protest.

Where, did I reference PAD? I think one would have to be in denial to not appreciate that the recent messy protests along the border and past incursions into Cambodian territory have an influence in this matter. If border relations were good, this situation would not have occurred or it would have been addressed quickly.I think what we are seeing is a tit for tat approach.

Nor am I "bashing" the Nation. Sorry, but from what I have seen, the Nation has demonstrated a bias in its "reporting" and an inability to offer accurate translations from Thai into English, as well as inability to provide the facts in a clear manner. If you wish to accept stories from the Nation verbatim, then that's your choice. There are "newspapers" elsewhere that have also reported on aliens landing in trailer parks to undertake anal probes of the inhabitants. I don't readily believe those reports either.

I most certainly have stayed on topic. If you are provoked then perhaps you may wish to reconsider your knee jerk response.

As the tensions increase, we will most likely see more events like this border crossing episode. Each side will blame the other. One thing is certain though; Having people marching to border areas demanding the imposition of "martial law" and a military solution will neither calm the situation, nor facilitate good border relations.

[Plus]

Geriatrickid, that's what you said:

"What the Nation offers is a purported quote from a Thai official speculating as to the reason for this.

What reason did Cambodia give?"

Nation's report indicates that the official was not Thai but Cambodian.

And you mentioned "recent messy protests along the border" or something along those lines, clearly referring to PAD clash with THAI villagers which clearly has fuc_k all to do with enforcing some old rules about truck drivers and their deposits for three hours a week later.

It's rather amazing how a fairly clear and self-explanatory article can generate tons of arguments about anything but the subject matter.

[hansnl]

This it seems is a warning about the nascent Nationalism, PAD was bringing back to the fore.

Now, tell me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression a certain Mr T started to whip up nationalism?

[RKASA]

I am sure its all a meaningless crackdown on rules.  The Cambodians are way behind in the crackdown count and they are hopeless far behind in HUB claims.  In fact I can't recall a single HUB claim made by Cambodia lately.  I think if they were really upset with Thailand they would just burn the Embassy again.

[animatic]

The weather is good in Tera Del Fugo this time of year.

[Bagwan]

Just shut the border for a few weeks and see how long it takes them to change their mind about the 'deposit'.

Are you serious? How will the phu yai get across to the casinos to gamble away their ill gotten gains? If tit for tat is the name of the game why not follow Thailand's good example and make gambling illegal? Or nationalising the casinos without compensation to the Thai owners?

Off topic thought. Is TAT populated by tits?

[Thai at Heart]

Rhetoric or not, it's interesting what you can find hiding in the Cambodian News.

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/200...ic-flights.html

Govt to stop Bangkok Air's domestic flights

Edited September 25, 2009 by Thai at Heart

[Yoshitaka]

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Perso...Nme=PersonalTem

Thailand have been imposing huge deposit payment for Cambodian trucks (see above). So, why is the Thai complaining when the Cambodians are doing the same to the Thais?

[Plus]

There's nothing about Cambodian trucks on that page and no signs of "huge" guarantees.

Do those Cambodian trucks even exist?

Bangkok Airways issue is in today's Nation, too, and there's a comment from the airline saying the matter is insignificant. They've been expecting it for a while, it's not out of the blue.

[geriatrickid]

Geriatrickid, that's what you said:

"What the Nation offers is a purported quote from a Thai official speculating as to the reason for this.

What reason did Cambodia give?"

Nation's report indicates that the official was not Thai but Cambodian.

And you mentioned "recent messy protests along the border" or something along those lines, clearly referring to PAD clash with THAI villagers which clearly has fuc_k all to do with enforcing some old rules about truck drivers and their deposits for three hours a week later.

It's rather amazing how a fairly clear and self-explanatory article can generate tons of arguments about anything but the subject matter.

Ok let's have a look again at the story line;

Cambodia-Thailand Border Coordination Office official Leem Tek of reportedly told the drivers that some Cambodian customs officials took the move because they were unhappy with Thai officials.

How the hel_l is anyone supposed to know that's a Cambodian office. It could be Thai. But wait, it's so clear it must be obvious according to you. Well guess what, it wasn't clear to me. And if I had seen it was Cambodian I would have pointed out that attributing quotes inappropriately is not unusual in the Thai press. How can anyone know if the comment was even made in that manner? What it does say is that they were unhappy with Thai officials. There are a hundred and one ways to be unhappy with a Thai official. If you live in Thailand, surely you can understand the concept of frustration.

Do you actually believe that having protests on a border where a violent group of Thais calls for military force is not a contributing factor to the mindset of the Cambodians? Or are you just having your jollies now, stirring the pot? If the border relations had been good, the Cambodian official that upset the Thais would have been shipped off to the worst border crossing in the country by now and there would have been apologies all around complete with a photo op of smiling officials waing.

[dumball]

There's nothing about Cambodian trucks on that page and no signs of "huge" guarantees.

Do those Cambodian trucks even exist?

Bangkok Airways issue is in today's Nation, too, and there's a comment from the airline saying the matter is insignificant. They've been expecting it for a while, it's not out of the blue.

To add to your blinkered , tunnel vision approach to this thread , you now add the fact you are also unable to read and decipher the English language , it is clearly stated 'Imported vehicles' , being such a wealthy person you obviously also do not comprehend what a "huge" amount can be to people from a very poor country .

You are a 'HUGE' nitpicker/hair-splitter and not half as well informed as you appear to pride yourself in , you have become tedios in the extreme concerning a bunch of rabble rousers who in all honesty are not worthy of an iota of discussiun .

[hammered]

Yeah yeah, Thailand is at fault again and Cambodians are such a mature nation.

Well, aren't the Cambodians just enforcing the regulations just as Thailand is?

If Thailand wishes to have reciprocity, perhaps it should consider negotiating an arrangement. Where does it say the Cambodians have to waive the rules for Thais? It is Thailand that has antagonized the Cambodians with the violence at the temple site and the continuing aggressive intrusions on the borders. If the relations were in a healthy state, I don't think this action would have been taken. It is a legitimate and peaceful means of expressing a nation's concern. Would you rather, the Cambodians dispatched a mob to the border to have a riot?

It takes two sides to reach an agreement and the Thais aren't necessarily in the frame of mind to play nice at this time.

The Cambodians not so long ago burned the Thai embassy. The countries have history

[Plus]

Ok let's have a look again at the story line;

Cambodia-Thailand Border Coordination Office official Leem Tek of reportedly told the drivers that some Cambodian customs officials took the move because they were unhappy with Thai officials.

How the hel_l is anyone supposed to know that's a Cambodian office.

Well, one way is to know is to keep reading, because two lines below the article says:

"Asked why the Cambodian customs officials did not inform the truck drivers in advance, he refused to give any answer and retreated to the Cambodian side."

To add to your blinkered , tunnel vision approach to this thread , you now add the fact you are also unable to read and decipher the English language , it is clearly stated 'Imported vehicles' , being such a wealthy person you obviously also do not comprehend what a "huge" amount can be to people from a very poor country .

You are a 'HUGE' nitpicker/hair-splitter and not half as well informed as you appear to pride yourself in , you have become tedios in the extreme concerning a bunch of rabble rousers who in all honesty are not worthy of an iota of discussiun .

Sorry, but could you quote some numbers from that article? The biggest number I can remember is 1,000 baht fine. Is that what you mean by huge?

On a side note, you should probably see a shrink or a forum moderator, because the language you used in your post is a bit over the line and so you apparently have some issues. If you have a Turret syndrome it could probably be a valid excuse.

[caf]

Ok let's have a look again at the story line;

Cambodia-Thailand Border Coordination Office official Leem Tek of reportedly told the drivers that some Cambodian customs officials took the move because they were unhappy with Thai officials.

How the hel_l is anyone supposed to know that's a Cambodian office.

Well, one way is to know is to keep reading, because two lines below the article says:

"Asked why the Cambodian customs officials did not inform the truck drivers in advance, he refused to give any answer and retreated to the Cambodian side."

To add to your blinkered , tunnel vision approach to this thread , you now add the fact you are also unable to read and decipher the English language , it is clearly stated 'Imported vehicles' , being such a wealthy person you obviously also do not comprehend what a "huge" amount can be to people from a very poor country .

You are a 'HUGE' nitpicker/hair-splitter and not half as well informed as you appear to pride yourself in , you have become tedios in the extreme concerning a bunch of rabble rousers who in all honesty are not worthy of an iota of discussiun .

Sorry, but could you quote some numbers from that article? The biggest number I can remember is 1,000 baht fine. Is that what you mean by huge?

On a side note, you should probably see a shrink or a forum moderator, because the language you used in your post is a bit over the line and so you apparently have some issues. If you have a Turret syndrome it could probably be a valid excuse.

I agree your last point Plus; but it is a TV technique when losing an argument, or more properly when the poster can not formulate an argument. Happens to us all. The only way to avoid it is to do a Kevinhunt and never post anything of value. But that of course devalues the use of TV as forum.

[dumball]

Just a small point for the ill-informed , 1,000Baht is what a large percentage of Cambodians earn in a week to support a family of 4 or more , some earn even less , thousands of factory workers earn approximately 2,500Baht per MONTH to support an extended family , thousands more survive off of a dollar a day , yes , 1,000Baht IS LARGE .

[Plus]

Yeah, it's large, but wait until you read the OP and learn that Cambodians were asking deposits of $5,000, or 167,000 Baht.

[EffectiveAnger]

The Cambodians not so long ago burned the Thai embassy. The countries have history

You left out centuries (if not, a millennia) of history there. Maybe the Thais can forget, but the Khmer, never. The infrastructure of the Khmer Kingdom has been shattered by the Tai people time and time again ever since the sacking of Angkor Wat. But this doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the trucks being held up at the border by a Cambodian official. Cambodia has to import just about everything and most of it comes from Thailand. No doubt about it, there is a lot of tea money going on between Cambodian border officials and Thai truck drivers. Something happened that the news probably isn't going to get wind of. I know how corrupt those borders are over there and how things work. The losers are the Khmer people over in Cambodia who depend on those shipments of food and supplies. And if the Thai businesses have to get involved, some Khmer with a bad day is going to have the worst day of his life. I suspect one day of these shenanigans and that's about it... for now. Edited September 27, 2009 by EffectiveAnger

[cdnvic]

Before going further, two points:

1. The red shirt/blue shirt thing has no bearing on this story, so let's not have any more of this.

2. If you must resort to personal attacks, you've already lost the debate. Do yourself a favour and quietly disengage before you are disengaged by a moderator.

[Yoshitaka]

HUGE Guarantee need to be paid by any people bring a foreign vehicle to Thailand, Cambodian included. When I say HUGE, I mean HUGE, and not just 1,000 Baht. Depending on the type of vehicle, in most cases, it is more than USD $5,000, or (167,000 Baht).

Say a 10 wheeler truck, on the low side cost 2 million Baht. Say that liable tax & duties (including VAT) for importing that truck, on the low side is 30%. Hence, on a low side, a foreign truck owner (no matter if he is Cambodian, Burmese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Chinese, Laos or Vietnamese), will have to pay at least 600,000 Baht (or USD $20,000) in guarantee. Get it now?

You people cannot read can you? Like to point out to you again:

http://www.customs.go.th/Customs-Eng/Perso...Nme=PersonalTem

Half way down the page:

Deposit of Guarantee

•

•

• The amount of a cash deposit and a guarantee calculated by Customs is determined on the basis of all liable taxes and duties to be paid to Customs.

•

[DP25]

The infrastructure of the Khmer Kingdom has been shattered by the Tai people time and time again ever since the sacking of Angkor Wat.

The smashed infrastructure and endless grinding poverty of modern Cambodia is due to their own people, not any Thai boogieman.

[EffectiveAnger]

The infrastructure of the Khmer Kingdom has been shattered by the Tai people time and time again ever since the sacking of Angkor Wat.

The smashed infrastructure and endless grinding poverty of modern Cambodia is due to their own people, not any Thai boogieman.

That's not the full story and it's too simplistic. Read this for a better understanding of Cambodia's true history: http://absara.free.fr/1photo-choc1/slk_Khs...ch-tai-Viet.htm

Not many people are willing to try and understand the truth about Cambodia. You have to go back a lot further than the 'Khmer' Rouge to understand. And look into who exactly the Rouge soldiers were and how they were supported by foreign governments. Thank the Vietnamese for a lot of that. Land mines? Look into who put those there? We could talk about the French too and how they plundered and carved out the empire. People wonder why the Khmer are so jaded these days. Their history has been severely distorted. What's this got to do with the truck backups and this story? Where's the connection (you might demand)? As it's already been pointed out, Thailand has made it incredibly difficult for Cambodia to export their goods to Thailand. Isn't this just another attempt to keep the Khmer impoverished while exporting Thai goods to Cambodia and getting more rich by the minute?