A Change of Guard

សូមស្តាប់វិទ្យុសង្គ្រោះជាតិ Please read more Khmer news and listen to CNRP Radio at National Rescue Party. សូមស្តាប់វីទ្យុខ្មែរប៉ុស្តិ៍/Khmer Post Radio.
Follow Khmerization on Facebook/តាមដានខ្មែរូបនីយកម្មតាម Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khmerization.khmerican

Saturday 2 July 2011

It's the right decision [for Thailand to withdraw from Unesco's WHC]

Writer: Kamol Hengkietisak
Bangkok Post
2nd July, 2011

Thailand was right to withdraw from the World Heritage Convention as the WHC is intent on accepting the Cambodian government's management proposal for Preah Vihear without caring about Thailand's objections, notes Nha-Kran Laohavilai, Post Today editor.

Nakarn notes that if Thailand accepts the WHC's resolution concerning the management of Preah Vihear temple, it means that an international committee comprising people from several nations would be able to dictate to both the Thai and Cambodian governments that they comply. Since the management of Preah Vihear temple involves construction in the disputed territory claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, it is possible that eventually the disputed territory will be turned into Cambodian territory.

For three years now _ ever since the World Heritage Committee accepted Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site as proposed unilaterally by the Cambodian government _ there have been constant troop clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along the border, which is contrary to the goal of Unesco's establishment of the World Heritage Committee, which is to advocate peace in listing heritage sites.

Now that the WHC is about to consider approving the Cambodian government's proposal for the management of Preah Vihear temple without waiting for border demarcation work on the disputed territory surrounding the temple, it is inevitable that Thailand has to withdraw.

Nha-Kran blamed the previous People Power Party (PPP) government for not objecting to the Cambodian government's proposal to list Preah Vihear.

This made it possible for Prime Minister Hun Sen to exploit Cambodia's listing success as a campaigning issue to win a general election.

Since then, the Cambodian government has tried every year to submit the temple management plan to the WHC without consulting Thailand even though it involves disputed territory. Each year, the WHC has postponed consideration of the temple management plan due to Thailand's objection.

This year, however, in a majority vote, the WHC decided to take up the consideration of the Cambodian government's temple management plan.

This prompted Thailand's decision to withdraw from the WHC, which takes effect in 12 months' time.

By withdrawing from the WHC, the Cambodian side can go ahead and restore Preah Vihear, but only on its side. Thailand will not allow Cambodian workers to cross over to the disputed territory claimed by Thailand and Cambodia.

Now that Thailand has withdrawn from the WHC, Cambodia cannot use its Preah Vihear management plan as an issue in the World Court at The Hague as Thailand no longer recognises the jurisdiction of the WHC on the issue.

Nakarn praised the Abhisit government, especially Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti for daring to make an important decision to protect Thailand's territory.

Let's see how the next government, which is likely to be led by Pheu Thai, handles this sensitive issue.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thailand had campaigning its heart out for international community to recognize the 4.6km dispute area; finally WHC put an end to the claimed that is why Thailand has no option but to walk out in protest. Thailand doesnt recognize ICJ ruling because it knows full well that it is not in their favor. WHC approved the development plan to move forward technically approved Cambodia Phrea Vihea and its land surrounded the Temple. Thailnd main objective is not about the so called dispute land but rather wanted to share the Preah Vihea temple to avoid loosing it completely to Cambodia. Thailand wanted to force its way through military power. How can you claim something that is not yours? Thailand felt in love with Preah Vihea and the history ingrained in their heart as part of Thai's culture. Realistically, if you look at Thailand's culture you will find the similarity of Khmer culture. Some wonder why? This is no coincidence because part of Thailand was Khmer including its people. Khmer Surin for example is Khmer, the Mon is Khmer but these history were never taught in Thailand unversities so new generation continue to learn the false history about Thailand. For example, Thai's tatoo; it is Khmer written language but if you ask Thai's people, they will tell you it is their writing. How is Khmer writing became Thai's writing? This is where Thai's history needed to face the truth where it gets the culture and custom from. I have to give Thailand some credit for their hard work to preserved Khmer history such as many tatoos, culture, customs, worship etc. that are traditional Khmer. They kept it intact better than the Khmer did because Khmer went through many civil wars and killings. During the KR, all Khmer history including the religion writings were destroyed but you can find many things in Thailand because it kept all of those information very well. They deserve some credit too. If there way to find the middle ground that both nations can appreciate, then may be the government should explore the option to avoid further problems. However, many Khmer are bitter with the Thai's history and how it treated Khmer in the past. ONLY pure caring, loving, and pure intention will find ways to heal the past wound and then only then Khmer and Thai can peace in their soul.

Anonymous said...

There have been constant troop clashes between ah thai and khmer along the border because ah thai is the one that created to cause the problem,not UNESCO. The whole world don't believe ah thai any more after ah thai walked out of the UNESCO.Stop crying ah thais!!!!

Anonymous said...

YES u right- thailand king never smiled, was making the right decision to walk out from UNESCO. no doubt.,,

no second though to go back,
no need to go back,, F.U