Thailand's decision to increase troop presence along the Khmer-Thai border is very unfortunate. Any person with even a passing interest in Khmer-Thai relations would know that there is a long history of fundamental mutual distrust and animosity between the two peoples. Any sign of troop escalation by one side is bound to be seen as an act of aggression by the other. The result is a dilemma of vast troop buildups that, assuming both countries harbor no adverse intentions, neither desires yet is inevitable.
I am a Cambodian and may be biased. Personally, though, it is hard to see Thailand's troop deployment as anything but provocative coming especially on the heel of the recognition of the temple as a Cambodian World Heritage site. Thai troops were sent after three Thai protesters were arrested for illegally crossing the border into the temple area. But that is no warrant for such a highly visible show of force by the Thai side. Is it not the right of a sovereign nation to detain those who infiltrate its border without permission? Reverse the scenario and there is little doubt how Thailand would act. It would just as soon arrest Cambodians who enter its territory illegally.
I would attribute the current stand-off to irrational nationalism especially on the part of the Thai public. Granted, most forms of nationalism are irrational. However, the kind that we have seen coming from Thailand after the Preah Vihear temple was assigned the World Heritage status is especially so. If there was any doubt about the true ownership of the temple (which there was not much), the 1962 ICJ ruling in Cambodia's favor pretty much resolved it. For the last 46 year at least, the bilateral Khmer-Thai relations have been conducted on the understanding that the temple belongs to Cambodia. The application for the World Heritage status was, strictly speaking, an internal affair of Cambodia. I could personally see no reason to seek any kind of support from Thailand for the bid. The fact that the Thai government did endorse it just goes to show Thailand's explicit recognition of Cambodia's ownership.
The bulk of the emotions (mostly negative) pouring out of Thailand are, however, those of the Thai public. I cannot help but speculate how much of Thailand's force buildup along the border is politically motivated. The current Thai government is in a crisis. It is charged by its own electorate of being incompetent. A sudden change of position in the Preah Vihear issue as well as a (more tangible) deployment of troops to the disputed area seem just the things to appeal to the current nationalistic fervor fermenting in Thailand's streets.
Having said all these, I seriously hope that the strong nationalistic feelings will not unduly affect efforts to peacefully resolve the ongoing standoff. Both Cambodia and Thailand should try to see the enormous economic and strategic opportunities the Preah Vihear temple area presents. Cambodia holds the ownership, but the area is more easily accessible from Thailand. A peaceful development of the area stands to benefit both sides. Furthermore, such a peaceful development is critical to the maintenance of good bilateral relations between the two countries.
Friday, July 18, 2008
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1 comments:
Siam has blatantly violated Khmer sovereignty not once but twice since the temple of Preah Vihear was listed as a World Heritage site. On one occasion, three civilian crossed the border and were detained but were handed back to Siam authority. That was understandable in so far as since the intruders were civilians, albeit their actions may have been instigated by some elements in the Siamese palace. The last act was not excusable and was very provocative. Siam soldiers crossed the border in Preah Vihear and its deployment of troops in the Anlong Veng area is very provocative and was done with the intent of drawing fire from the Khmer troop. Luckily no fire was shot.
What would happen have Khmer soldiers took the bait and open fire? Return fires from Siam soldiers are expected and back-up fire from hidden contingencies is highly probable.
Our intention should be made crystal clear. Khmer must demonstrate that we are able to defend our integrity, even doing so in flip flops, make-shift uniform. Given the latest inaction by ASEAN, we must register our complaints with the UN and other international agencies. This crisis has put ASEAN to the test…and it has failed miserably. ASEAN seems to be unable and or unwilling to help resolve this issue, therefore it has no base in feeling that the Royal Government of Cambodia is going over its head. A border watch organization should be invited to observe the situation.
The arrogance and the aggression of Siam should serve as a reminder to Khmer leadership that the Siamese government cannot be trusted and that as Khmers we should be vigilant in this regard. As Khmers, we cannot dismiss this as a mere political move by this or that faction (Siam or Khmer). This intrusion must be seen in its seriousness and we all must do our part.
We have seen what Siam has done: the shooting of Khmer civilians, the canceling of 1000 or so tourist to srok Khmer, and the invasion of Siam troop. These are just the beginning. I am sure there are more to come: when and how is the question.
As Khmers living overseas, w can do something to help: stop patronizing Siam. Stop giving them businesses. Stop spending our hard-earned dollars or Euros in Siam. Our government must make it known to Siam about this fact.
An apology is in order here, Siam. And it is high time that you, Siam, accept the fact that Preah Vihear is Khmer’s: always was, always will be.
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