Thailand had campaigned its heart out for the international community to recognize the 4.6km disputed area as Thailand's. Finally, the World Heritage Committee (WHC) puts an end to that claim, that is why Thailand has no option but to walk out in protest. Thailand doesn't recognize the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling because it knows full well that it is not in their favor. WHC agreed to submit the Preah Vihear development plan for consideration is viewed by Cambodia as a move forward technically to approve Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple and its land surrounded the Temple. Thailand's main objective is not about the so called disputed land but rather wanted to share the Preah Vihear temple to avoid losing 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 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 once Khmer territory, including its people. The Khmer Surin people, for example, are Khmers, the Mons are Khmers but this history was never taught in Thailand's universities, so new generations continue to learn the false history about Thailand. For example, Thai tattoo is Khmer, written in the Khmer language but if you ask Thai people, they will tell you it is their writing. How is Khmer writing become Thai writing? This is where Thai 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 preserve Khmer history such as many tattoos, culture, customs, way of worship etc. that are traditionally Khmer. They kept it intact better than the Khmer did because Khmer went through many civil wars and killings. During the Khmer Rouge regime, all Khmer history, including religious writings, were destroyed but you can find many things in Thailand because it kept all of those information very well. They deserved some credit too. If there is a 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 Khmers are bitter with the Thai history and how it treated Khmers in the past. ONLY pure caring, loving and good-willed intention will find ways to heal the past wound and then only then that the Khmers and Thais can have peace in their soul.
1 comment:
I agree war will only lead us to more wars. How can we heal the wound if the Thai's continue to force Khmer to the corner? How we share thing with them if they want it all? Khmer always has big heart but Thailand always manipulative and lying. How can Khmer trust Thailand?
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