Alternative Watch
20 June 2009
Round One of the current disputes at the Cambodian northern border
could be awarded to Thailand. It is uncertain, however, if this
outcome is attributable to Cambodia’s corrupt mentality or to
Thailand’s brilliant moves.
Thailand advances its drive into Preah Vihear when Cambodian leaders
withdraw their population from the area. Preah Vihear provincial
governor Preap Tan says the government moves more than 460 families
from Kor Mouy village, located at the base of the mountain on which
the temple stands, to about 20 Km inside the border, so that, “we do
not want to see them injured or killed if a firefight should happen
again at any time.” This means they either ignore, or are ignorant of,
the international practice of settling border disputes that
predominantly bases on permanent civilian occupancy in any part of
disputed territory. They must know human settlements are the best
border protection there is.
Their concern for the safety of the villagers sounds touching, but is
more of a hypocrisy when considering their grand scheme for Kor Mouy
village. The Cambodian National Commission for UNESCO plans a large
tourism park with a museum, a parking lot, and a traditional market.
It is very unlikely that such an investment would come with an
expectation of any firefights; someone other than the villagers will
reap the commercial benefit.
That someone has to be at or near the top. The villagers who are
astute enough to reject the redevelopment plan claim they have been
threatened by Hing Bunheang, the commander of the prime minister’s
bodyguards now stationed at Preah Vihear temple. When they seek an
intervention from the prime minister, cabinet official Pal Chandara
sends them back to the commander by incredulously saying Hun Sen has
no authority in the matter.
The removal of the permanent civilian occupancy could now leave Preah
Vihear wide-open to credible claims. And Thailand wastes no time.
First, it will next week ask the World Heritage Committee for a joint
listing of Preah Vihear with Cambodia. Thailand argues the listing
last July violates the registration process, and is contrary to UNESCO
regulations and spirit because it has created the disputes between the
two nations. Second, Thailand will also submit two Thai luminaries as
candidates to replace retiring members of the World Heritage Committee
so that “it could follow the Preah Vihear issue closely”. It is very
shrewd of Thailand to generate disputes so that the regulations are
violated, and to effect the Committee stacking.
The Cambodian leaders would have a real fight on their hand if they
had any interest beyond those of their special group that seem to have
driven their current relocation tactic and dispute management. The
Hague verdict that has given Cambodia the temple ownership may no
longer be solid enough to keep it outside the Thai grab. For a nation
that has lost so much territory due to its leadership apathy and
corruption, the joint-listing and management is perhaps a better
outcome than losing Preah Vihear to Thailand altogether.
Ung Bun Ang
Quotable Quote:
“The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft
underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without
signposts.”
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963), Irish-born British novelist.
The Screwtape Letters.
Tags: Alternative Watch, Cambodia, Preah Vihear, Round One with Thailand, siam, thai invasion, Thailand
