Published: 30/06/2011
Daily news editorial
Bangkok Post
Thailand's decision to quit the World Heritage Convention will have far-reaching implications, notably for its relations with Cambodia.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti announced the intention to withdraw from the convention last Saturday, at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. He said Thailand was withdrawing because the committee's consideration of Cambodia's plan could threaten Thai sovereignty and territory.
Without the Thai action, said Mr Suwit, Cambodia could use the forum to support its case in the World Court against Thailand, over the dispute over 4.6sqkm land around the temple. The World Court handed the 11th century Hindu temple to Cambodia in 1962.
Nonetheless, we think the withdrawal from the WHC may have some unforeseen consequences, and the Abhisit government must be held responsible for what may happen.
We are particularly concerned that Mr Suwit's action could increase tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, where at least 20 people have died in armed clashes in the area surrounding the temple since 2008.
The government must handle this issue with the utmost discretion. The dispute should not be used by any party to gain political or electoral advantage, as its consequences may be too grave for our country.
Daily news editorial
Bangkok Post
Thailand's decision to quit the World Heritage Convention will have far-reaching implications, notably for its relations with Cambodia.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti announced the intention to withdraw from the convention last Saturday, at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. He said Thailand was withdrawing because the committee's consideration of Cambodia's plan could threaten Thai sovereignty and territory.
Without the Thai action, said Mr Suwit, Cambodia could use the forum to support its case in the World Court against Thailand, over the dispute over 4.6sqkm land around the temple. The World Court handed the 11th century Hindu temple to Cambodia in 1962.
Nonetheless, we think the withdrawal from the WHC may have some unforeseen consequences, and the Abhisit government must be held responsible for what may happen.
We are particularly concerned that Mr Suwit's action could increase tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, where at least 20 people have died in armed clashes in the area surrounding the temple since 2008.
The government must handle this issue with the utmost discretion. The dispute should not be used by any party to gain political or electoral advantage, as its consequences may be too grave for our country.
1 comment:
NO DAMAGED RELATIONSHIP WITH CAMBODIA
U MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO WALK OUT
NO NEED TO RETURN BACK..
GOOD FOR THAILAND KING NEVER SMILED
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