Sen David and Derek Stout
Phnom Penh Post
 | Yem Sorach, a 19-year-old Buddhist monk. I think that all people need to be peaceful. I was happy when the ICJ decided that both Thai and Cambodian troops must stay away from the disputed area. We have waited for this day for a long time. I think that Thailand must comply with the ICJ’s decision. |
 | Pai Ney, a 40-year-old fisherwoman. I just want Cambodia and Thailand to stop fighting. Thailand wanted to make war with Cambodia first, so when they withdraw their troops, the situation will be changed for the better. I don’t want Cambodia to lose any territory. |
 | Som Sambo, a 21-year-old economics student at the Royal University of Law and Economics. I hope Thailand will withdraw their troops from the area. I think Cambodia will comply with the decision and remove their troops, but I am unsure if Thailand will or not. As we know, Thailand negotiates with Cambodia to stop fighting, but they still create conflict time and time again. |
 | Sou Reoun, a 21-year-old banking student at Build Bright University. The ICJ decision not only ordered both countries to withdraw their troops, but also ordered ASEAN to monitor the disputed area ... Preah Vihear is a World Heritage site and I feel bad that it was damaged. I hope the chair of ASEAN will send observers [to the border area]. |
 | Chun Phiron, a 28-year-old construction worker. I think it is so good to see Thailand ordered to withdraw troops. We don’t want to see our government spending so much money in the military sector because we are still a poor country. It is good that our military no longer has to face off with Thai troops near Preah Vihear. |
 | Chea Theary, a 31-year-old lotus vendor. If our country goes to war, the economic situation will only get worse. If Thailand does not withdraw their troops, ASEAN and the international community must force them to leave. I think that when there is peace at Preah Vihear, there will be a lot of tourism there. |
Interviews and photos by Sen David and Derek Stout
2 comments:
I would like to add this.
Cambodia has no other way out, but strictly abides by the ICJ ruling. Other way, we would loose the support from the international community, starting with the UN Security Counsel. The demilitarized zone is just a provisional measure to stop wars and so allowing people on both sides of the border living with no fears. ASEAN observers (Indonesians) will be there and according to the ruling, Cambodia, the owner of the temple, can start to implement the management plan without obstruction. So pending the final ruling on the borderlines, we enjoy peace and at the same time, we can restore the temple and even develop it as tourist site. We went to the court to get this body confirm that the temple belongs to us and also the land surround it, belongs to us as well. I agree that the land belongs to us, but Thailand says the same. So how can we solve this problem? War should be only the last resort when we know that while we have a just cause, our army may be not the strongest one (Cambodia spends 192 millions dollars last year for the army while Thailand spends more than 4 billions for the same year).
Living without fears is considered basic human right. I hope that the ICJ ruling would allow this to happend to people on both sides of the border near Preah Vihear Temple. Tfinal ruling on the land around it is just few months away. Long live ICJ and long live Cambodia!
It ok to have different perspectives; Cambodia government is smart full of scholars. I am sure they are working days and nights to ensure victory. Public relations media through PP is great ways to gain support. Dont worry, Cambodian always speaking one voice. Warrior Blood oppinion helped us look at different perspective so that we dont loose sight and I am sure the government already done that.
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