Once again the friction between Cambodia and Thailand has reached a flash point that war can potentially erupt any time as a result of a false maneuver or slightest misunderstanding. Despite of such perilous situation, both sides show no sign of backing down, instead opt to flex their muscles through exchanges of war rhetoric, military exercises and troop reinforcements.
From the Cambodian perspective, the ongoing friction between the two countries is a result of a smear campaign of intimidation by Thai radical groups to gain political grounds at home, and PM Abhisit government’s lack of commitment to clamp down on those radical groups. As long as these two conditions persist, war between the two countries will be inevitable.
Cambodian public believes its government has been very accommodating vis-à-vis the Thai counterpart. In deed, the Cambodian government has so far exercised utmost restraint by not requesting the UN to intervene. Thailand has insisted that the issue be addressed at the bilateral level, and in the spirit of promoting friendly neighborhood, Cambodia has agreed to it, at least up to now.
On the other hand, PM Abhisit government’s questionable approach to the issue has perplexed many Cambodians at home and abroad. If Thai incumbent government deems that the Cambodian counterpart is acting outside the framework of legitimate self-defense or contrary to the relevant UN charters, then why not pursuing the matter with the International Court of Justice or other appropriate UN bodies. Cambodia will genuinely and unreservedly abide by the international rulings, and challenges Thailand to do the same.
Thailand is very fortunate that she has not had a war for a long time. Perhaps too long that some Thai ultranationalist or radical groups don’t fully realize what it means to be at war. For Cambodia, war is synonym for collateral damage, human tragedy and mass destruction. Most Cambodians have seen it, lived through it and definitely don’t want to go through another one. That being the case, there should be no doubt to anyone that Cambodians will resolutely stand ready to face the challenge, should a war be imposed on them.
In the interest of both nations, Cambodians are cautiously optimistic that the current political hazard in Thailand will be trumped by the voice of reason, which will put an end to this prolonged and unwarranted friction, and foster a new era of genuine cooperation between the two countries.
Fellow Khmer
(Davan Long)
From the Cambodian perspective, the ongoing friction between the two countries is a result of a smear campaign of intimidation by Thai radical groups to gain political grounds at home, and PM Abhisit government’s lack of commitment to clamp down on those radical groups. As long as these two conditions persist, war between the two countries will be inevitable.
Cambodian public believes its government has been very accommodating vis-à-vis the Thai counterpart. In deed, the Cambodian government has so far exercised utmost restraint by not requesting the UN to intervene. Thailand has insisted that the issue be addressed at the bilateral level, and in the spirit of promoting friendly neighborhood, Cambodia has agreed to it, at least up to now.
On the other hand, PM Abhisit government’s questionable approach to the issue has perplexed many Cambodians at home and abroad. If Thai incumbent government deems that the Cambodian counterpart is acting outside the framework of legitimate self-defense or contrary to the relevant UN charters, then why not pursuing the matter with the International Court of Justice or other appropriate UN bodies. Cambodia will genuinely and unreservedly abide by the international rulings, and challenges Thailand to do the same.
Thailand is very fortunate that she has not had a war for a long time. Perhaps too long that some Thai ultranationalist or radical groups don’t fully realize what it means to be at war. For Cambodia, war is synonym for collateral damage, human tragedy and mass destruction. Most Cambodians have seen it, lived through it and definitely don’t want to go through another one. That being the case, there should be no doubt to anyone that Cambodians will resolutely stand ready to face the challenge, should a war be imposed on them.
In the interest of both nations, Cambodians are cautiously optimistic that the current political hazard in Thailand will be trumped by the voice of reason, which will put an end to this prolonged and unwarranted friction, and foster a new era of genuine cooperation between the two countries.
Fellow Khmer
(Davan Long)
2 comments:
Using my poor little brain which my body equipped me with, I try to think, will there any good thing ever come out of this ridiculous but dangerous conflict of the so called disputed land. I knew Pacific rim decolonization could not happen without the decline of European powers and WWII contributed to that decline. Some thing then clicks in my brain that if
war ever break out in full swing between K-T,there will be a break apart of colonies which composed Thailand right now. Will Khmer benefit from that event? Should we let go
and sort it out later?
The US has some treaty with the dumb ass Siam.But if Thais has internal conflicts among themselves US has no obligation to do anything. Just turn blind eyes and let Thais dissidents go thru to get training in VN now. Also wait to hear from Thais other neighbors.If they wanted us to keep talking with Thais it means they don't want to get involve militarily.But if they just keep quiet it means they just wait to kick Thais asses when the bangs finally break out. Again the US probably don't want to see Thais act stupidly like this either.
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