Article sent to Khmerization by L.C
Since armed hostilities resumed on April 22, at least 16 people have been killed, over 50 injured and at least 50,000 displaced on both sides of the border. Strategic and political analysts foresee sustained sporadic fighting, though the chances of the clashes escalating into full-scale war still seem slim.
"Thailand's and Cambodia's relationship is fragile and fighting will likely erupt again," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai political scientist at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. "The dispute has been too politicized that it will take a long time before ties will be healed," he added.
"I doubt that a ceasefire will hold because the border tensions are now being driven by their own dynamic," said Marc Askew, a senior fellow at the University of Melbourne who specializes in Thai politics and security issues and who is editor of the recently published book Legitimacy Crisis in Thailand.
"[The border conflict] is a function of the Thai states' domestic politics, and especially Thailand's civil and military relations in the midst of a major political transition," wrote Stratfor, a United States-based private intelligence firm, in a recent analysis of the conflict.
The latest bout of fighting is centered around a disputed hill near the ancient temples of Ta Krabey and Ta Moan, representing an expansion of previous hostilities that centered on the contested Preah Vihear temple. Although both countries have long laid claim to these ancient ruins and border territories, most analysts believe the conflict is being driven more by domestic politics in both countries.
Thailand has been rattled by a prolonged and sometimes violent political crisis. The border issue has presented Thai governments with an opportunity to galvanize nationalist sentiment at home and gain popular support by rallying their citizens against an external threat.
This has been especially the case for Thailand, which is beset by entrenched political and social divisions at a time when the Thai military has been strengthening its influence and power in politics. With general elections to be held in early June, analysts believe the Thai military is now flexing its muscles to signal its intention of retaining strong influence over the next elected government.
(thanks L.C)
1 comment:
KHMER WILL DEFEND PREAH VIHEAR GLORY
The Preah Vihear temple importance is extremely important in a national level.In 2008 the Thai army attempted a military takeover of the Preah Vihear temple. The argument is that the place belongs to Thailand. A surprising move since there is a border crossing at the foot of the temple. Tourists and visitors from Thailand had come to visit the temple freely. Until Thailand suddenly and unilaterally decided on a military takeover. This is a Cambodian temple and a significant part of the magnificent ancient Khmer culture. Somehow The Cambodian army was able to defend the temple .
And an important reminder Large areas were annexed by force from Cambodia to Thailand. As a matter of fact it is 13 provinces. There is a large Cambodian population in Issan (Korat,Buriram,Surin,Si saket) they are ethnic Cambodians.
Preah Vihear is the symbol of the independence of Cambodia from France the symbol of freedom and united and the reminder of blood tears sadness suppression and the Glory.
Preah vihear reminding Cambodians of the greatness of Khmers ancestors and reminded Khmers of the enemy that brought Khmer Empire to it knee ,how suddenly Khmers just give up those glory and let Siam take Preah Vihear without putting a good fight it's not possible,Khmers will fight and defend Preah Vihear at any cost defend it glory and won't let Preah Vihear ever fall to the hand of Siam again ever.
(thanks L.C)
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