Neth Pheaktra: Has ‘‘never exaggerated the news’’
Published: 18/01/2011
Bangkok Post
The media has been a factor in Thai-Cambodian relations since they became strained in 2008 when the dispute over the Preah Vihear temple resurfaced. The coverage in Thailand and Cambodia of sensitive incidents, including the recent arrest of seven Thais on charges of trespassing on Cambodian territory, could improve or damage relations between the neighbouring countries. ANUCHA CHAROENPO spoke to Neth Pheaktra, managing editor of the Khmer-language edition of the PhnomPenh Post newspaper, on its reporting policy.
What's your newspaper's policy on reporting the arrest of the seven Thais and other issues that could affect Thai-Cambodian relations?
This is a crucial story for us because the Cambodian people are watching developments closely.
We have run a lot of the stories relating to border disputes between the two countries since the [Preah Vihear] conflict flared up in 2008. The matter has also been reported by other local newspapers.
Do you agree with critics saying the press is partly to blame for the escalation of Thai-Cambodian tensions?
The stories that we publish are based on facts and are well-balanced. We have never exaggerated the news. Cambodian people pay a lot of attention to the Thai-Cambodian relations issue because we are neighbours.
Nationalist sentiment always runs high when it comes to Thai-Cambodian relations. How do you view this trend?
Both Thai and Cambodian people feel the same way - they love their country. Whenever our country has problems, the people will unite to protect our beloved nation.
Neither the Cambodian people nor the government want to lose a square inch of our land, but we don't want even a square inch of Thai soil.
The best way to improve relations between our two nations is to respect one another.
There is an argument that the seven Thais were arrested on Thai soil.
According to a video clip posted on YouTube, this group of people said themselves they were in Cambodia. They walked 500 to 600 metres into Cambodia. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been quoted as saying the seven Thais entered Cambodia by accident.
However, the detainees' lawyers have the right to produce evidence and fight for them in court, which, I think, will complete the hearing by the end of this month. Once the Phnom Penh Municipal Court hands down its verdict, the seven Thais can appeal to a higher court if they disagree [with the verdict].
If the defendants have any evidence to back their claims that the area where they were arrested is in Thailand, they can submit it to the court. We should let the law take its course.
Are there any political motivations surrounding this case?
This case is related to politics. So, both governments need to hold urgent talks to solve the problem. Coordination is needed at all levels to reduce tensions between the two countries. The seven Thais should confess to the court [that they entered Cambodia illegally] and prove that they had no intention of trespassing.
How can Thai-Cambodian relations return to normal?
We have bilateral mechanisms. [Cambodian] Prime Minister Hun Sen and Mr Abhisit have emphasised that when problems emerge between the two countries, the two sides will hold talks. Negotiations, not military action, will help solve the problems.The two countries should also press ahead with collaboration to solve the border demarcation disputes.
The media has been a factor in Thai-Cambodian relations since they became strained in 2008 when the dispute over the Preah Vihear temple resurfaced. The coverage in Thailand and Cambodia of sensitive incidents, including the recent arrest of seven Thais on charges of trespassing on Cambodian territory, could improve or damage relations between the neighbouring countries. ANUCHA CHAROENPO spoke to Neth Pheaktra, managing editor of the Khmer-language edition of the PhnomPenh Post newspaper, on its reporting policy.
What's your newspaper's policy on reporting the arrest of the seven Thais and other issues that could affect Thai-Cambodian relations?
This is a crucial story for us because the Cambodian people are watching developments closely.
We have run a lot of the stories relating to border disputes between the two countries since the [Preah Vihear] conflict flared up in 2008. The matter has also been reported by other local newspapers.
Do you agree with critics saying the press is partly to blame for the escalation of Thai-Cambodian tensions?
The stories that we publish are based on facts and are well-balanced. We have never exaggerated the news. Cambodian people pay a lot of attention to the Thai-Cambodian relations issue because we are neighbours.
Nationalist sentiment always runs high when it comes to Thai-Cambodian relations. How do you view this trend?
Both Thai and Cambodian people feel the same way - they love their country. Whenever our country has problems, the people will unite to protect our beloved nation.
Neither the Cambodian people nor the government want to lose a square inch of our land, but we don't want even a square inch of Thai soil.
The best way to improve relations between our two nations is to respect one another.
There is an argument that the seven Thais were arrested on Thai soil.
According to a video clip posted on YouTube, this group of people said themselves they were in Cambodia. They walked 500 to 600 metres into Cambodia. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been quoted as saying the seven Thais entered Cambodia by accident.
However, the detainees' lawyers have the right to produce evidence and fight for them in court, which, I think, will complete the hearing by the end of this month. Once the Phnom Penh Municipal Court hands down its verdict, the seven Thais can appeal to a higher court if they disagree [with the verdict].
If the defendants have any evidence to back their claims that the area where they were arrested is in Thailand, they can submit it to the court. We should let the law take its course.
Are there any political motivations surrounding this case?
This case is related to politics. So, both governments need to hold urgent talks to solve the problem. Coordination is needed at all levels to reduce tensions between the two countries. The seven Thais should confess to the court [that they entered Cambodia illegally] and prove that they had no intention of trespassing.
How can Thai-Cambodian relations return to normal?
We have bilateral mechanisms. [Cambodian] Prime Minister Hun Sen and Mr Abhisit have emphasised that when problems emerge between the two countries, the two sides will hold talks. Negotiations, not military action, will help solve the problems.The two countries should also press ahead with collaboration to solve the border demarcation disputes.
3 comments:
Dear Ho chiminh, and Khmer copatriot, buy me ticket I go to kick youn out, oh by the way, your son and your brother and yourself booked the ticket yet. Idoit stope your disgusting mouth. and stope make aliving by the nam of Khmer compatriot. Next month Sam raisy wife will come to collect more money from Khmer in Lowell, Nurse Chan and his SRP activist responsible for first clase Ticket for 3 first sadow lady Mayura, if she take economic clase she may saved 7800$, it more than enough for 20 watter well, save hundred of Khmer family to stope Used largoon water with cow. that how you see the real and true Khmer compatriot isn't it true?.
I understand why the Phnom Penh Post is doing better nowadays, because it is owned by a bunch of foreigners, not by those irresponsible and unprofessional like the Bangkok Post. The Bangkok Post might think their stories are balance, but I think their stories are trash most of the times. Most of their stories establish so much opinion than facts. They need to understand that it is alright to love their country, but not okay to hate other. Many of the reports by the Bangkok Post did just that. They spice up so much on what they call facts, and it has became more and more like a political entertainments’ piece of trash, not to mention exaggeration, which deliberately spreading propaganda.
Uncle Ho chi Minh said to Mike,
Idiot Mike, you said you went to law school and you own business of 28 employees, holy shit, you should have money. Why don't you book some plane tickets for me and Sam Rainsy. Also book one for your son, and one for your brother and also one for yourself. Me and you( idiot Mike), we can kick Viet Cong ass together. Stop using your disgusting mouth toward Sam Rainsy, nasty f%$k. Next month your wife will probably give more money donation to support Sam Rainsy and any other supporters of Sam Rainsy. Your donation will greatly help Khmer compatriot, itn't true, idiot Mike?
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