War Only Means Both Thailand And Cambodia Stand To Lose

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NATION COMMENT

War only means both countries stand to lose

By The Nation

There are people in both Thailand and Cambodia who want their soldiers to go all the way. The problem is, even though this might bring the territorial dispute to a conclusion, it would only be for the short term. In 10 or even five years, when one side gets weaker or stronger, the conflict will flare up once again. That is absolutely certain, if force is used to settle this conflict.

Diplomacy can be painstakingly protracted or fruitlessly repetitive and its results can be unpredictable. One can also argue that years of negotiations, the setting up of committees or commissions and other diplomatic efforts have failed to prevent the ongoing

confrontation. Obviously, the "let's get this over with" mentality is thriving among many on either side of the border.

The question that nationalistic extremists in both countries, be they politicians, activists or just the man on the street, have to ask themselves is: Are "real" people better off now that tanks, artillery and rockets are reinforcing territorial claims? Politicians and activists advocating war should be able to at least point to a group or community and say: "There, those people feel happier at the moment, so the fight should go on."

War only fulfils the purposes of a few, but makes life miserable for countless others. Preah Vihear, proclaimed to be priceless, is nothing if villages around it are left in smouldering ashes. It's pointless for both countries to get the temple and destroy everything else - things such as Bt81-billion worth of yearly bilateral trade, Thailand's status as the third-largest foreign investor in Cambodia, the smiles at the border, the security that schoolchildren on both sides of the border had until recently.

Can diplomacy really draw a border? From dinosaurs to cavemen to ancient tribes to imperial rulers, boundaries have been marked through killings and intimidation. Preah Vihear, on the one hand, is just a place around which "real life" continues. On the other hand, it stands as one of the biggest challenges for both Thailand and Cambodia - daring them to break free from a glorious past so a new future can be built for people who really matter.

-- The Nation 2011-02-08

[Siripon]

This article reminds me of an American soldier's comments I saw on TV back in the Vietnam war-

'We had to destroy the town in order to save it'

[Doc50]

As a Vietnam War Veteran I know that should be said about all wars.

Men, women, children, soldiers die on both sides of all wars.

Ask the dead how they feel about being on the winning side.

They are still dead!

Everybody loses in WAR!

[jayjay0]

A quality opinion from the Nation.

Just go's to show there is hope for all.

[brahmburgers]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

[Robby nz]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

That, if what I read is correct is pretty much what the Thai deputy PM has proposed.

So far I see no response from the Cambodian side.

Posted Today, 07:19

Reports from Mathichon indicate that another round of clashes have broken out; Hun Sen's son reportedly injured /TAN_Network

If it is true that Hun Sen's son the 33yr old West Point trained Brig General has been injured what will Hun Sen's attitude be now?

Will it be 'hell better stop this before he gets killed' or, will he be incensed and , once the boy is away from danger, start throwing more at Thailand?

[hammered]

It wont go to war. Just another hangover from colonial drawn borders linked to two very nationalistic countries whose people have a mutual emnity (either natural or manufactured) linked to internal political factors in both countries. The world is full of such disputes and such minor military skirmishes with displaced villagers. This being in ASEAN and draws more media attention than those in many other areas. Thailand is also a hub of journos whereas many other countries arent

It needs to be calmed down but weird thing is media attention doesnt actually help as nobody wants to be seen to come out badly in the eyes of their own people and peers

[hammered]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

That, if what I read is correct is pretty much what the Thai deputy PM has proposed.

So far I see no response from the Cambodian side.

Posted Today, 07:19

Reports from Mathichon indicate that another round of clashes have broken out; Hun Sen's son reportedly injured /TAN_Network

If it is true that Hun Sen's son the 33yr old West Point trained Brig General has been injured what will Hun Sen's attitude be now?

Will it be 'hell better stop this before he gets killed' or, will he be incensed and , once the boy is away from danger, start throwing more at Thailand?

In dynasty based authoritarian regimes the son of the big man has to prove himself as more than just a daddies boy. In both Cambodia and Thailand "real men" leaders are looked up to. A bout of ultra-nationalism, border clash, military action and even better a wound or two (non-life threatening) are all good for image.

Of course if he is bleeding to death that is another matter.

[animatic]

The question remains; What vested interests stand to gain potentially?

Is this all about face and nationalism or is it something more insidious?

[animatic]

It wont go to war. Just another hangover from colonial drawn borders linked to two very nationalistic countries whose people have a mutual emnity (either natural or manufactured) linked to internal political factors in both countries. The world is full of such disputes and such minor military skirmishes with displaced villagers. This being in ASEAN and draws more media attention than those in many other areas. Thailand is also a hub of journos whereas many other countries arent

It needs to be calmed down but weird thing is media attention doesnt actually help as nobody wants to be seen to come out badly in the eyes of their own people and peers

Face keeps it rolling or roiling, but can't explain completely why it keeps starting up.

[OzMick]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

That, if what I read is correct is pretty much what the Thai deputy PM has proposed.

So far I see no response from the Cambodian side.

Posted Today, 07:19

Reports from Mathichon indicate that another round of clashes have broken out; Hun Sen's son reportedly injured /TAN_Network

If it is true that Hun Sen's son the 33yr old West Point trained Brig General has been injured what will Hun Sen's attitude be now?

Will it be 'hell better stop this before he gets killed' or, will he be incensed and , once the boy is away from danger, start throwing more at Thailand?

Most likely he will be awarded the Victoria Cross and the Medal of Honor, or the Cambodian equivalents, and promoted to Field Marshal. the Cambodian Minister of Defence is considering resigning so that this military genius can take over his portfolio.

[OzMick]

Whoops, double hit.

Edited February 8, 2011 by OzMick

[animatic]

War always means promotions.

[DoctorG]

War always means promotions.

So, we will get even more Thai generals?

[IanPrince99]

Cambodia student have to recite this: The Bayon temple, a World Heritage site in Siem Reap, has 54 towers each representing the 54 provinces of the ancient Khmer empire. Cambodia now has 24 provinces, as 17 others are in Vietnam and 13 in Thailand. WHILE Thai student have to recite this: Siem Reap (literally means "Siam Defeated" & including Ankor Wat), Preah Vihear, Battambang, Oddar Meancheay Province, Oddar Meancheay Province, Banteay Meanchey Province, Pailin Province, Pursat Province and Koh Kong Province were all Thailand until the French rob it from our King using Farang gunships.

[philhal2]

One People . ONE ASIA , United in the preservation of their culture , their heritage and their future . Drop the threats , the greed , the hunger for war , and the stupidity of old eras and regimes . FORGE the beginnings of a new era of strong economies , growth , education , a future WITH A GOOD LIFE for your children .

Following the past attitudes and ideas is only a road to destruction and misery . Have you not seen enough of this already . Will it take ANOTHER LAOS ? ANOTHER VIETNAM ? ANOTHER CAMBODIA ?? "" ANOTHER KILLLING FIELDS ?? before you see the light and stop killing your own people ??

Yes your own people , you are all one in your flesh and blood , your religions , your heritage and your future .

[philhal2]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

CHINA IS NOT ASIAN ??? CHINA DOES NOT MANAGE WORLD HERITAGE SITES ??? Goodness me where do you sleep at night ? under the stars and stripes with your latest propaganda sheet ??

[bkk_mike]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

CHINA IS NOT ASIAN ??? CHINA DOES NOT MANAGE WORLD HERITAGE SITES ??? Goodness me where do you sleep at night ? under the stars and stripes with your latest propaganda sheet ??

I believe you missed the "jointly"... i.e. two or more countries administering a single site.

[brahmburgers]

19 countries (and the Vatican) worldwide have cooperated on jointly managing World Heritage Sites. None are Asian.

It's a sacred Hindu site, smaller than most shopping malls, which can't be administered by two Buddhist countries. Joint administration and maintenance by a staff of about 20 people - would be win win for both countries and tourists.

CHINA IS NOT ASIAN ??? CHINA DOES NOT MANAGE WORLD HERITAGE SITES ??? Goodness me where do you sleep at night ? under the stars and stripes with your latest propaganda sheet ??

I believe you missed the "jointly"... i.e. two or more countries administering a single site.

Yes, that was my point. There are countries from all continents except Asia, Australia and Antarctica which have buddied up to jointly administer heritage sites which straddle their borders. Thailand and Cambodia could be the first Asian countries to do so, if their leaders could get beyond their internecine squabbling.

I don't sleep under the start and stripes with my latest propaganda sheet, but I've been known to sing a rather strained version of the Star Spangled Banner. Would you like to hear it? Tough song to sing, as it spans over 2 octaves. Interesting note on Fort McHenry and Baltimore harbor where it was written (by Francis Scott Key, who was being held prisoner on a British ship at the time) - a bomb was found the next day, which had been fired by a British invading ship. The bomb had crashed through the fort's wall to rest on the floor of the armory - right alongside barrels of gunpowder. It was a dud. Imagine how history might have been altered if the fuse of that bomb had functioned.

[Tokay]

Yes, but whoever loses the least amount of the all important "face"... wins.

[jayboy]

I don't sleep under the start and stripes with my latest propaganda sheet, but I've been known to sing a rather strained version of the Star Spangled Banner. Would you like to hear it? Tough song to sing, as it spans over 2 octaves. Interesting note on Fort McHenry and Baltimore harbor where it was written (by Francis Scott Key, who was being held prisoner on a British ship at the time) - a bomb was found the next day, which had been fired by a British invading ship. The bomb had crashed through the fort's wall to rest on the floor of the armory - right alongside barrels of gunpowder. It was a dud. Imagine how history might have been altered if the fuse of that bomb had functioned.

How could it have been a British "invading ship" since the colonies at that time were territories of the British Crown?