Editorial Desk
The Nation (Thailand)
Publication Date : 8 July 2010
The speed with which two alleged Thai terrorists were extradited from Cambodia to Thailand demonstrates a degree of good will on the part of our neighbour. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen should be credited for expediting such a quick and uncomplicated procedure. He did it voluntarily, without waiting for a request from Thailand. Within this context, the gesture indicates that Cambodia indeed has a firm commitment to work with other countries in fighting terrorism.
However, further confidence-building measures are needed to loosen the tension between the two countries, which have been soured over two major issues - the ongoing border dispute around the ancient Preah Vihear temple complex, and Phnom Penh's cosying up to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Indeed, Phnom Penh has previously refused to extradite Thaksin during his frequent visits to Cambodia, yet has quickly sent back the two red-shirt suspects. The restoration of full diplomatic ties will thus move forward one step at a time.
Thai-Cambodian ties are unique and complicated, with many issues and challenges. Both sides must still demonstrate extraordinary diplomatic patience and understanding in order to fully resolve the current impasse. Confidence between the respective governments and peoples are a prerequisite for trust building.
It must be noted that people-to-people contacts between Thais and Cambodians have continued unabated during the diplomatic crisis. Border trade and tourism have even increased. This is an important building block. When local people have confidence in each other, their governments are more likely to act accordingly.
The Thai government has expressed its gratitude to the Cambodian government for its cooperation on this matter. It is a critical moment, with bilateral relations being put to the test. There has been criticism in the local media over Cambodia's actions in harbouring red-shirt suspects in the first place. Critics want to see Phnom Penh doing more to help Thailand, by refusing sanctuary for wanted leaders of the pro-Thaksin group. It is an open secret that red-shirt leaders and extremists like Arisman, Suriya, Jakraprob and others are hiding out in Cambodia. But it will take time for Cambodia to sort things out, pending political developments in Thailand.
Hun Sen is the region's longest reigning leader, with three decades in power. He knows full well how to govern his country. His political versatility has brought Cambodia to where it is today. Cambodia is a democracy, albeit with numerous and serious shortcomings. The country is basically under one party rule, but it seeks to improve the quality of its parliamentary system and overall governance.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is working hard to heal the nation after the horrible experience of the April and May red-shirt protests and violence. A series of reconciliation and development plans are in the offing. But it will take time to produce tangible results. In the meantime, it is hoped that these activities will create a better political atmosphere in the country. This in turn will help to ease the lingering tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Both countries are active members of Asean. Their political quarrels have affected the regional grouping's solidarity and cooperation. Asean has been quite worried about future repercussions if the diplomatic problems continue. But the two countries are learning from this experience - learning to listen and accommodate each other. Lately, diplomats and political leaders on both sides of the border have been more cautious and measured in their comments and references to each other. In this Asean spirit of togetherness, the two countries can reach a reconciliation and work together for the common good.
The Nation (Thailand)
Publication Date : 8 July 2010
The speed with which two alleged Thai terrorists were extradited from Cambodia to Thailand demonstrates a degree of good will on the part of our neighbour. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen should be credited for expediting such a quick and uncomplicated procedure. He did it voluntarily, without waiting for a request from Thailand. Within this context, the gesture indicates that Cambodia indeed has a firm commitment to work with other countries in fighting terrorism.
However, further confidence-building measures are needed to loosen the tension between the two countries, which have been soured over two major issues - the ongoing border dispute around the ancient Preah Vihear temple complex, and Phnom Penh's cosying up to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Indeed, Phnom Penh has previously refused to extradite Thaksin during his frequent visits to Cambodia, yet has quickly sent back the two red-shirt suspects. The restoration of full diplomatic ties will thus move forward one step at a time.
Thai-Cambodian ties are unique and complicated, with many issues and challenges. Both sides must still demonstrate extraordinary diplomatic patience and understanding in order to fully resolve the current impasse. Confidence between the respective governments and peoples are a prerequisite for trust building.
It must be noted that people-to-people contacts between Thais and Cambodians have continued unabated during the diplomatic crisis. Border trade and tourism have even increased. This is an important building block. When local people have confidence in each other, their governments are more likely to act accordingly.
The Thai government has expressed its gratitude to the Cambodian government for its cooperation on this matter. It is a critical moment, with bilateral relations being put to the test. There has been criticism in the local media over Cambodia's actions in harbouring red-shirt suspects in the first place. Critics want to see Phnom Penh doing more to help Thailand, by refusing sanctuary for wanted leaders of the pro-Thaksin group. It is an open secret that red-shirt leaders and extremists like Arisman, Suriya, Jakraprob and others are hiding out in Cambodia. But it will take time for Cambodia to sort things out, pending political developments in Thailand.
Hun Sen is the region's longest reigning leader, with three decades in power. He knows full well how to govern his country. His political versatility has brought Cambodia to where it is today. Cambodia is a democracy, albeit with numerous and serious shortcomings. The country is basically under one party rule, but it seeks to improve the quality of its parliamentary system and overall governance.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is working hard to heal the nation after the horrible experience of the April and May red-shirt protests and violence. A series of reconciliation and development plans are in the offing. But it will take time to produce tangible results. In the meantime, it is hoped that these activities will create a better political atmosphere in the country. This in turn will help to ease the lingering tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Both countries are active members of Asean. Their political quarrels have affected the regional grouping's solidarity and cooperation. Asean has been quite worried about future repercussions if the diplomatic problems continue. But the two countries are learning from this experience - learning to listen and accommodate each other. Lately, diplomats and political leaders on both sides of the border have been more cautious and measured in their comments and references to each other. In this Asean spirit of togetherness, the two countries can reach a reconciliation and work together for the common good.
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