Preah Vihear spat: ICJ verdict brings wary relief at Thai border

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PREAH VIHEAR SPAT
Verdict brings wary relief at border
Chayanont Praneet,
Chatchawan Sopaphan,
Pongpat Traipipat
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE INTERNATIONAL Court of Justice (ICJ)'s final ruling on the Preah Vihear dispute has lifted a heavy weight from the hearts of people living along the border with Cambodia.

Yet, to some, their worry is not completely over because Monday's ruling recommends talks between Thailand and Cambodia - and no one knows yet what the outcome will be.

"I am still living in anxiety," Jessadaporn Prasarn said.

This 28-year-old man lives in the border province of Si Sa Ket. "I am still haunted by the 2011 border clashes," he said.

The villager said if bilateral ties really returned to normal, Thais should be able to resume operating their stalls around the Preah Vihear Temple - a world-heritage site and a world-famous attraction on Cambodian soil. A road in Thailand also provides a convenient access to this Hindu temple.

"I hope Thailand and Cambodia will start the talks on the issue soon," Jessadaporn said.

Chin Prasarnjit, a Si Sa Ket resident who lost a leg to a landmine, said he was anxiously waiting to hear the outcome of the talks.

A local kamnan, Weerayut Duangkaew, also reckoned the future situation would depend on the talks between the Thai and Cambodian governments.

Meanwhile, Yong Yian, a Cambodian trader, said most Cambodians heaved a sigh of relief when they heard the ICJ ruling on Monday.

"Cambodians are struggling to fill their hungry stomachs. Their focus is on making a living, not on the disputed area," he said. He imports Thai products for his trade activities in Cambodia's Poi Pet.

Thai trader Metha Lorcharoenwattanachai, 56, said he was happy with Monday's ruling.

"Before this, both Thai and Cambodian traders around the Rong Kluea market were so worried that the ruling would prompt the closing of the border crossings," he said. This border market, which sits on the Thai side, has a cash flow of well over Bt20 million a day.

Metha said there was no point complaining about the past.

"Let's move ahead together for the happiness and prosperity of both countries and their peoples," he said.

Metha also pointed out that during his life he had seen many Thais tying knots of friendship with Cambodians.

"So, it shows we can be one big family," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-11-13