Indonesia to broker border talks

PRESIDENT YUDHOYONO WILL MEET ABHISIT, HUN SEN AT ASEAN SUMMIT

8/05/2011
Achara Ashayagachat & Agencies
Bangkok Post

JAKARTA : Indonesia's president will talk to the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand today in a bid to find a solution to their border dispute.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has offered to meet Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on the sidelines of the Asean summit.

He will meet them separately, as the two are not yet willing to meet face to face to discuss the dispute.

However, officials hope Mr Yudhoyono can broker a solution or perhaps bring them together for a meeting before the summit ends later today.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the meetings will take place an hour before the Asean summit session begins at 9am.

Mr Abhisit said before leaving for Jakarta that he had no intention of holding talks with Hun Sen as the previous talks failed to bring about a permanent truce.

Cambodia had tried to internationalise the issue, while Thailand insisted on bilateral talks, he said.

The prospects for talks look poor, after Mr Abhisit and Hun Sen were locked in a war of words on the first day of the Asean summit yesterday.

Hun Sen accused Thailand of invading Cambodia's territory.

"Thailand as a big country continues to have the ambition of prolonging the armed conflict to violate weaker neighbouring Asean members," Hun Sen told assembled leaders, according to a transcript provided to reporters.

"The invasion by Thai troops into Cambodia's territory resulted in a series of clashes and eventually a large-scale war from Feb 4-7, 2011."

In a six-page statement read out at the morning session of the summit, Hun Sen said a series of military clashes along the border posed "serious challenges for Asean in its pursuit of the Asean Community by 2015".

Since July 15, 2008, Thailand had waged a "war of aggression" against Cambodia by sending troops to launch attacks along the border, he said.

"Thailand does not have the goodwill to accept Indonesian observers and does not have the willingness to settle this dispute in accordance with international law and by peaceful means," Hun Sen said.

Asean diplomatic sources described Hun Sen's speech as dramatic and surprising, given that it was off the agenda.

Mr Abhisit did not have a chance to respond immediately as he was busy in talks with Philippine President Benigno Aquino.

Mr Abhisit returned to the meeting shortly afterwards and told Asean leaders that Thailand has never wanted to cause problems with its neighbours.

The prosperity and stability of its neighbours benefited Thailand, Mr Abhisit said.

Bilateral efforts to defuse the conflict were still working, Mr Abhisit said, citing the Joint Boundary Commission meeting that took place last month in Bogor, Indonesia.

"Thailand has been trying to work things out, but Cambodia seems to want to internationalise a bilateral dispute," Mr Abhisit said.

Asean leaders also shared their concerns and hoped the problem would not escalate, sources added.

The Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers met on Friday night, but did not discuss the issue of withdrawing troops from Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand has approved the terms of reference for the deployment of a team of Indonesian observers on the condition that Cambodia withdraws its troops from Preah Vihear and the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda.

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PM sets conditions for observers

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Says Cambodian troops, villagers must leave area

Published: 6/05/2011

Newspaper section: News

Cambodian troops and villagers must leave the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed border area before Indonesian observers can be deployed, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insists.

He was speaking the day before his planned trip today to attend the Asean Summit in Jakarta in which his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen is also participating. But Mr Abhisit has already said there were no plans to meet Hun Sen.

The bloody border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia looks set to be among the issues dominating the Asean Summit this weekend.

Mr Abhisit said the documents for the deployment of Indonesian observers pose no problem but the presence of Cambodian troops and citizens is a breach of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries in 2000.

At the last meeting on May 3, the cabinet agreed to the planned deployment of Indonesian observers along the Thai-Cambodian border near the Preah Vihear temple _ but on the condition Cambodia adheres to the MoU by withdrawing its troops from the area.

Mr Abhisit said he had no idea if Phnom Penh would agree to this but it was the duty of Indonesia to coordinate with the Cambodian government about the matter.

In the wake of the sporadic border clashes, Indonesia, in its capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), offered to broker talks between the two countries and deploy observers.

Mr Abhisit said it would depend on the progress of talks between Thailand and Indonesia and between Cambodia and Indonesia if the issue would be brought up at the Asean Summit.

According to Mr Abhisit, the Thai foreign minister will reaffirm that Thailand has not initiated any violence and will give its full cooperation to efforts to resolve the border row amicably.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will meet his Indonesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa, who serves as Asean chair, on the sidelines of the Asean Summit, and then see his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong separately.

Mr Abhisit also played down speculation that Cambodia's latest move to involve the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the conflict would put Thailand at a disadvantage.

Cambodia has asked the ICJ for an interpretation of its 1962 ruling on the Preah Vihear temple.

Mr Abhisit said he would rather not discuss the issue due to its sensitivity. He added there are legal aspects Thailand can contest in court against the Cambodian move.

He also said the ICJ's hearing of the Cambodian complaint presented a chance for Thailand to show that each of the clashes had been planned by Cambodia and it was a calculated move to internationalise the border conflict.

The premier, however, urged people to refrain from speculating on the outcome of the case at the ICJ as this could backfire.

"Given the situation, I want everyone to stay undivided. I have said it before we shouldn't say things that will harm us later. We should stay united to protect the national interest," he said.

Meanwhile, 2nd Army spokesman Prawit Hookaew said the border tensions have eased and there have been no clashes over the past two days.

He said the fighting has stopped because field commanders on both sides have communicated with each other. Thai and Cambodian troops have maintained their positions but they are less tense.

Col Prawit said the reopening of Chong Jom border pass in Surin's Kap Choeng district was a result of discussions between 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon and the Surin governor.

Trade at the Chong Jom border pass was light the second day after the border reopened with only a fifth of stores open for business.

Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Division gather in the division’s compound in Sanam Pao in Bangkok to show their combat readiness. - CHANAT KATANYU

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Weekly highlights

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Published: 29/04/2011 at 12:12 PM

Online news: Local News

With the House dissolution yet to be announced, the Pheu Thai Party has already started electioneering with Thaksin Shinawatra announcing key policy platforms via a video link, but the fighting on the border between Thai and Cambodian forces stole the headlines.

The week-long artillery duels and the troop clashes along the border in Surin and Buri Ram provinces dominated the front pages of all newspapers and television news headlines almost the entire week, along with the brief skirmish around Preah Vihear in Si Sa Ket.

The two warring sides poured troops and heavy weaponry into the battle zone.

This latest outbreak of armed conflict, which centred on the old Ta Muen Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins, has cost the lives of seven Thai soldiers and one civilian, with dozens of others injured.

Just over 41,000 Thais were evacuate to temporary refuges as artillery shells hit many villages, and healthcare facilities were closed down in the area.

Casualties on the Cambodian side were not clear, although news agencies reported eight deaths, and the Thai army insisted that Cambodian casualties were many times higher than the Thai toll.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said separately that the Thai army would retaliate in kind against Cambodian attacks, whereas Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Mr Abhisit of being a warmonger and said that Cambodia, although a smaller country than Thailand, could defeat Thailand, like an ant which can fell an elephant.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (left) shakes hands with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen during the 4th Ayeyewady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation (ACMECS) summit at the Council of Ministers in Phnom Penh on Nov 17, 2010. AFP PHOTO

It was not until Thursday that situation shows signs of improving when an uneasy ceasefire was worked out between Lt-Gen Thawatchai Samutsakhon, commander of the 2nd army region, and Lt-Gen Chea Mon, chief of Cambodia’s 4th army region, at a meeting at a border casino opposite Surin province.

However, more troop clashes occurred on Thursday night and into Friday morning, with one Thai soldier killed and four wounded.

Indonesia, the Asean chairman, has called on the two countries to exercise restraint and to observe a ceasefire. It has urged Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to meet with his Cambodian counterpart, Hor Nam Hong, to discuss an end to the violence before Mr Abhisit has an expected meeting with Hun Sen at the sideline of the Asean summit in Jakarta on May 7-8.

On the local political front, election fever is taking hold even though Prime Minister Abhisit is yet to announce the House dissolution expected next week.

The opposition Pheu Thai Party appears to be most enthusiastic and has unofficially kick-started the electioneering with de facto party leader Thaksin Shinawatra addressing a party caucus and unveiling some of the party’s key policies, which include - one free tablet computor for every student; a huge floodwall to prevent Bangkok from being inundated, and reclaimation of land from the sea off the capital; a 300-baht minimum wage; corporate tax deductions for industries; and new railway mega projects.

Despite the five-year political ban he is still serving, and the jail sentence handed down by the court in absentia, the ousted former prime minister has decided to lead the party in the election campaign even if this means there is a risk the party itself may be dissolved as a result of his involvement.

He is also said to be the one who decides which party members will stand as candidates in the new single-seat constituencies, and which ones will make it onto the party list, and how high up.

About 200 people have already applied to stand on the party list. These are people hoping to be appointed, rather than elected, to the House under the proportional representation system. Among them are Olarn Chaiprawat and several red-shirt leaders. The list will however be shortlisted to not more than 125.

Thaksin has not disclosed who will be in the Number One slot on the party list. This candidate will be automatically in a position to become the next prime minister if the party wins more than half of the 500 seats in the House, or puts together a coalition government.

It has been widely speculated that Thaksin’s youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, may be his choice for top position. There are other contenders however, including Pol Gen Pracha Promnok, former national police chief and former leader of the Puea Pandin Party, who recently joined the Pheu Thai Party.

Whereas Pheu Thai, the Democrats and most other smaller parties are well into preparations for the general election, the New Politics Party, the political arm of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), is in disarray.

Pressured by PAD hard-core leaders such as Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, the party members voted at an assembly not field any candidiates in the election. The party was also supposed to launch a campaign for viters to check the “no vote” box on their ballot papers.

A security officer points to the front seat of a sedan hit by a bomb blast in Pattani province on April 26, 2011. (Photo by Abdulloh Benjakat)

But New Politics Party leadeer Somsak Kosaisook remains defiant. He says it's the job of the executive to decide whether to run candidates or not. He has called a party executive board meetiong today, Friday, and he expected the board will overturn the decision to boycott the election.

Mr Somsak also described the PAD's urging of a “no vote” and postponement of a general election for several years as being undemocratic and tantamount to a coup d'etat, and he resigned his PAD membership.

In the far South, the seventh anniversary of the Krue Se mosque massacre on Thursday April 28 passed without any major incident.

The most violent action of the week was the motorcycle bomb attack on Pattani governor Niphon Narapitakkul in Pattani on Tuesday. Suspected militants detonated a stolen motorbike stuffed with about three kilos of explosives as the governor’s car passed by.

Shrapnel from the explosion punctured three of the vehicle's tyres and peppered the body, but the driver still accelerated away. Neither the governor nor anyone else in his delegation were hurt - but they were shaken up.

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History points to negotiation as the only answer

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Published: 30/04/2011

Newspaper section: News

The continuing fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops along the porous and ill-defined border causes trouble and inconvenience for ordinary folks on both sides, not counting the deaths and injuries inflicted on soldiers, noted a Thai Rath editorial.

Thai Rath said folks on both sides had been living in peace with each other for a very long time. An example is Nong Chan village, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province where villagers grow rice and raise animals peacefully on a common field with Cambodian farmers even though a definite border demarcation has yet to be settled. Village chiefs on both sides have pledged that once a definite border demarcation is established, any farm land that may extrude through the border line will be cut off from the original plot and taken possession of by the other side willingly without any protest.

It is true that the border disputes occur because both sides rely on different maps and thus claim ownership of disputed areas. When both sides allow politics to dictate their actions, it is inevitable that peaceful settlement is hard to reach. As long as definite demarcation is not implemented, border disputes can always occur, but they should not necessarily lead to skirmishes. Diplomatic means are still the best choice, advocated Thai Rath.

The current skirmishes at Ta Kwai and Ta Thom temples and previously at Preah Vihear temple have not only resulted in several deaths and injuries, the conflicts have also left a bitter legacy for future generations. The more the skirmishes go on, the harder it becomes to reach a border settlement. Thai Rath cited an example of the Sino-Vietnamese border war in February 1979 which resulted in about 26,000 deaths on the Chinese side while the Vietnamese death toll was 37,000 before both sides agreed to sign a formal border demarcation. This should provide a lesson that no matter how many troops die in border conflicts, the problem can only be settled through negotiation.

In the present circumstance, Thailand may find it difficult to hold bilateral talks with Cambodia to settle the conflict because Cambodia does not seem to want to talk without any intervention from a third party due to political reasons and the desire to own and manage 4.6 sq km of disputed area surrounding Preah Vihear temple. It is certainly the case that whenever there is a skirmish, the Cambodian government promptly sends a letter to request that the UN Security Council step in to mediate in the dispute. At the same time the Cambodian government whips up nationalistic fever among its people to rally for the people's support.

With no cooperation from the other side, it is no surprise that the Thai government has failed to bring peace to the border. Thai Rath sympathises with the Foreign Ministry in trying to convince the other side to sit at the negotiating table.

Both sides should know that battles can never settle the conflict. Eventually, both sides have to sit down and negotiate for peace and implement border demarcation. Isn't it wiser to do this sooner rather than let skirmishes go on and on and soldiers on both sides die in large numbers before agreeing to talk?

Thaksin bets all in bid to win election

Last week saw an all-out effort on the part of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was barred from politics for five years, to personally dictate Pheu Thai party's election policies in a live video feed from abroad on April 23. By doing so he risked the chance of Pheu Thai being dissolved for allowing a barred politician to get involved in the party's activities, noted Matichon.

Pheu Thai is different from other political parties in that there are not so many people in the executive committee (17) and that four had already resigned before Thaksin's live video-link appearance. So if the worst comes to worst, only 13 party executives could be barred from politics by the Constitution Court for five years.

It is not only Thaksin who is not afraid, his brother-in-law and former premier Somchai Wongsawat also are not. Mr Somchai has chaired several meetings of Pheu Thai MPs as well.

The all-out gamble by Thaksin in openly defying the 5-year ban from politics is seen by political pundits as worth the risk by personally taking charge. Thaksin can lead Pheu Thai to a win in the general election, scoring at least half the number of MPs in the House and then his sister Yingluck Shinawatra would become the first female prime minister of Thailand.

If it comes to pass that Pheu Thai is dissolved, only 13 insignificant executives will be barred from politics for five years. A spare party has already been registered with the Election Commission.

Veteran politician Chalerm Yubamrung explained that Pheu Thai must use the "Thaksin" name to sell its platform because the Thai people accept his capability and because his populist policies were successful. To make sure that people vote for the party, Pheu Thai must push Ms Yingluck as their prime ministerial candidate to represent Thaksin as no other politician can be said to be as loyal as Thaksin's own kin.

"If Pheu Thai do not use Thaksin's name as a selling point, who else can compete against Mr Abhisit? I have been thinking for two years now that Yingluck is most suitable as she is successful in running businesses. No need to deny that Yingluck is Thaksin's nominee because Pheu Thai, Thai Rak Thai and People Power Party all belong to Thaksin. Pheu Thai's headquarters is at OAI Tower. O is Oak [Thaksin's son], A is Aim, I is Ink [Thaksin's daughters]. Why should the party be afraid of being known as Thaksin's nominee?" Mr Chalerm said.

Even though during the live video link Thaksin did not openly anoint a real Pheu Thai leader, insiders unanimously say that Ms Yingluck is 99% sure to be the party's prime ministerial candidate.

Insiders also reveal that Thaksin has bet everything in openly dictating the party's general election strategies in a live video link because he deems that by personally declaring the party's policies, he can boost Pheu Thai's electoral victory chances. If Pheu Thai is to be dissolved, it would take time before all investigations and court cases reach their conclusion. By then, Pheu Thai could have formed a single-party or two-party coalition government headed by Ms Yingluck.

To boost the party's chances, Puea Paendin's leader Pol Gen Pracha Phromnok has been recruited. The departure of Mingkwan Saengsuwan, who is disappointed at not being anointed as the prime ministerial candidate, the resignation of Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and the U-turn of Sanoh Thienthong do not worry Thaksin as the three are considered "outsiders", not Thaksin loyalists.

It seems that for Pheu Thai and its spare party, the party leader and executives are "cursed" positions that seasoned politicians would rather not get involved with. They prefer to be ordinary party members and run for MP seats with the chance to be a minister or prime minister, concluded Matichon.

Parties geared for polls

Thai politics is now gearing for the general election. The Election Commission has finished drawing up 375 single-MP constituencies in 77 provinces in line with the amended constitution. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said again and again that he will dissolve the House of Representatives on May 6. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra unveiled Pheu Thai party's election policies in a video link to the party faithful on April 24, reported Thai Rath.

The only hitch is the persistent rumour that the military would stage the coup, often claimed by UDD red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan. However, Thai Rath discounted this rumour as long as Thai politicians do not create conditions/disturbances that allow the military to step in. If this happens, it will be a disaster in the eyes of the global community.

Since the new election method will be a single constituency (one man, one vote) and the party list MPs will be a countrywide constituency with no minimum percentage required to win a listed MP seat, several small political parties believe that they have a greater chance to win in some specific constituencies and that nationwide they can score one or two listed MPs. Moreover, they believe that they can join the coalition government and earn a cabinet seat or two even though they may lack MPs.

The only exception is the New Politics Party which was initially enthusiastic in joining the fray to contest the upcoming election. However, when news was confirmed that Mr Abhisit would soon dissolve the House and call for an early general election, the yellow shirts movement (People's Alliance for Democracy) leaders decided to boycott the election and urge the Thai people to cast a "No" vote as a protest against corrupt politicians. The yellow shirt leaders' stance caused a split within the PAD because some executives of the New Politics Party would like to contest the election but they could not oppose the majority in the party who follow the PAD leaders' instructions.

What is most prominent in the upcoming election is the two major parties, Pheu Thai and the Democrats constantly issuing populist policies to sell to the grass-roots. All in all, Thai Rath could not distinguish much between the two parties in terms of populist policies, but it seems that Pheu Thai had a slight edge because it was personally delivered by Thaksin himself.

What is common about the two major parties is that they want to court votes by offering short-term goodies instead of talking about policies that lead to the country's structural reforms in terms of power decentralisation, agriculture, water resources management, education, political reconciliation/conflict reduction and social inequality.

The two parties fail to address the issue of how to make the Thai people stand on their own feet without waiting for perpetual hand-outs from the state.

It is good that both major parties promise to help the farmers but this is aimed at courting votes in the short term. It will not turn Thailand into the "Kitchen of the World" because that would mean restructuring the whole agriculture sector, ranging from irrigated lands, what to produce, marketing, agri-industry development and water resources management.

Thai Rath wondered how the populist policies promised by both parties will be financed as it needs a very large budget outlay. The two parties don't dare to say specifically that taxes need to be raised to finance their various populist schemes as this would certainly create a backlash. When asked, they just say there is plenty in the fiscal reserves waiting to be tapped.

If both parties can only do this much, the real problems in Thailand can never be solved, Thai Rath said.

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Prayuth: Ceasefire promise reached

28/04/2011
Bangkok Post

A ceasefire on the border is effectively underway after contacts on Thursday morning between Thai and Cambodian military commanders in the area where fighting has been occuring, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

A ceasefire on the border was effectively underway after contacts on Thursday morning between Thai and Cambodian military commanders in the area where fighting has been occuring, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

The army chief said this move followed a heavy exchange of fire near Chong Chom pass in Surin province this morning.

"Actually, a ceasefire has begun. Unit commanders of the two sides in the area had talks to end the fighting. Let's wait and see whether there will be more fighting this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow.

"If there is no more fighting, Lt-Gen Tawatchai Samutsakhon, the 2nd Army commander, will tomorrow (Friday) meet and hold talks with Lt-Gen Chea Mon, Cambodia's 5th Army Region commander," Gen Prayuth said.

The army chief said this after attending the funeral of soldiers killed in action in Surin.

"The 2nd Army chief and his Cambodian counterpart have been in contact," he added.

An informed source said on Thursday morning Cambodian deputy army chief Hun Manet and Lt-Gen Chea Mon sent their representatives to negotiate with Thai soldiers at Chong Chom pass in Surin for a ceasefire.

The source said the Cambodian force, commanded by Lt-Gen Hun Manet at O Samed opposite Chong Chom pass, suffered heavy casualties during a fierce exchange of fire this morning.

Gen Prayuth said the situation was likely to improve now the Cambodian side showed they wanted to talk, unlike in the past when they refused to do so.

The army chief said he was also concerned about the well-being of Thai villagers in the area, although most of them had been evacuated to safe havens.

"Let us hope that from now there will not be a single shot fired, but if they open fire we will return fire to stop them. We will not let any force intrude onto Thai territory," said Gen Prayuth.

The army chief admitted troops had been reinforced to the area following an assessment of the situation and intelligence operations to ascertain the movements of the other side.

Asked if it would be best if Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh could meet for talks, Gen Prayuth said he supports talks of all levels, ranging from commanders in the area to high-level commanders of the Defence Ministry.

Army Region 2 spokesman Prawit Hukaew said a Thai soldier was confirmed killed in the clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops on the border in Surin on Wednesday night.

The casualty, identified as Second Lt Uthai Muen-apai, was the sixth Thai soldier killed since the fighting began last Friday, Col Prawit said.

The spokesman said three Thai villagers suspected of spying on Thai soldiers and passing information to Cambodian forces were arrested today for interrogation.

He said the three were apprehended near Ban Don Nam Tan in tambon Bak Dai of Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district.

They are suspected of reporting the locations of targets by mobile phone to Cambodian soldiers for attack.

They were identified as Thanit Srisa-nga, of tambon Khok Klang, Sanit Pinkao, of Ban Nong Khanna, and Sermsuk Phochaiserm, of Ban Don Nam Tan.

Col Prawit said the three were still being questioned and it was not yet confirmed they were spying for Cambodia.

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[Thai] Military's worst enemy is history

27/04/2011
Saritdet Marukatat
Bangkok Post

The Royal Thai Army has to overcome its historical jinx, which is its worst enemy at a time when tension is on the boil at the border with Cambodia.

Military leaders including army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha have vowed that Thai troops are ready to launch "punitive action" against Cambodia once the government gives it the green light. At present Thailand's position is a defensive one - retaliating against Cambodian forces only when the latter intrude on Thai soil with military force.

As border tensions continue to escalate, the Thai army and government are drawing increasing flak from the public for not acting sternly and effectively enough to end this armed intrusion by Cambodia and for letting Phnom Penh's forces to brazenly challenge Thailand's legitimate boundaries.

When it comes to quarrels with Cambodia, the general perception is that Thailand cannot be the loser; it cannot let history repeat the failure of 1962, when the International Court of Justice ruled in favour of Phnom Penh regarding ownership of the hilltop Preah Vihear Temple (though the adjoining area of 4.6sqkm was not adjudicated on).

The fresh outbreak of armed clashes which began on April 22 at Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temple ruins in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district and which yesterday expanded to the disputed area near Preah Vihear opposite Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district, is viewed by the army as another attempt by Cambodia to seize Thai territory at the border - similar to the battle over the Hindu temple more than four decades ago. And the army is ready to teach this egregious neighbour a proper lesson - if the government gives it the go-ahead.

There is no doubt the Thai military's weapons are far superior to those of Cambodia's forces, even though Cambodian soldiers may have more experience in warfare dating back to the days when that country endured internal conflicts among its armed factions including the globally despised Khmer Rouge.

There is also the view that Cambodia's real intent behind the current border clashes is not to claim other disputed areas along the frontier, but that by turning the conflict into a full-scale war between the two countries would necessarily foment tension within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; that by using the military option the Cambodian government would be fulfilling its diplomatic aim, which is to escalate the border issue to a stage where it would no longer be able to be resolved by the two parties to the conflict and thus necessitate the arbitration of a third party, preferably the United Nations.

The current clashes follow Asean's stalled proposal to send Indonesian observers to the Thai-Cambodian border, a plan that has yet to proceed due to the Thai army's strong opposition. Phnom Penh has long been prepared to receive the Indonesian observers, having arranged places for them to stay and monitor the situation. But Thailand views the move as a threat to its position, which is to try and find a solution to the dispute via direct talks with Cambodia.

Thailand's history of proud independence, having thwarted the colonial desires of France and Britain during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), has shaped its belief that there is no need for foreign interference in the country's affairs, including the attempts to demarcate the land border with Cambodia. The slow pace of the Asean plan has caused much frustration for Phnom Penh and it now seemingly hopes to use the armed conflict as a means of bringing the Indonesian proposal back on track.

The timing of the latest clashes must also be considered: it is only a fortnight before the Asean summit is held in Jakarta. The issue will no doubt be the most urgent one on the agenda for Asean leaders when they meet during May 7-8, as other members are anxious that the border spat could delay if not derail Asean's ambitious project to turn the Southeast Asian region into one free-trade bloc, an Asean Economic Community, by 2015.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen will face peer pressure to sort out the conflict and the matter of installing Indonesian observers is expected to be revived as a solution to the problem. The presence of the observers would hopefully calm the situation and prevent future clashes. It would at the very least show that Asean can tackle members' problems on its own - although the Cambodian government wants the border issue to go all the way to the United Nations and perhaps even the International Court of Justice, to settle the disputed area for good with another ruling from the world court. That includes the 4.6sqkm area near Preah Vihear, since the World Heritage Committee wants to see how Cambodia will come up with a management plan as part of the conditions for listing the 9th century Hindu temple as a World Heritage Site.

Political problems have forced Thailand to reject a joint management plan undertaken by the two countries in the absence of a demarcated boundary near Preah Vihear. Thailand insists on settling the matter of unclear ownership first, before taking the next step of talking about managing the area.

The pressure is now on Mr Abhisit as he will have to go to Jakarta and convince the other Asean leaders on the best option for resolving the border dispute if Thailand continues to reject having observers from Indonesia.

The real obstacle remains Hun Sen, who apparently has lost all faith in settling the conflict through bilateral negotiations, though he too wants the Preah Vihear matter settled as soon as possible for fear of losing the World Heritage listing.

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Bangkok's blame game to deflect its misdeeds

Suwit: Unesco to blame for conflict

26/04/2011
Bangkok Post

The United Nations Edcuational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) should show responsibility because the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site has resulted in border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said on Tuesday.

Mr Suwit, chief of the Thai delegation to the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in Paris in June, said this after a new round of fighting erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops around Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district.

Villagers living around the Phra Viharn National Park and park officials have all been evacuated for safety, he said.

Mr Suwit said he would compile information for submission to Unesco to show that before Cambodia applied for the listing of Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site the area was visited by a large number of tourists.

But, after the listing, the temple has been closed, followed by border clashes that resulted in many deaths and injuries.

Mr Suwit said it is necessary for him to tell the world community that the key to solving the conflict is for the two countries in conflict to complete demarcation of the disputed area.

He called for Cambodia to return to negotiations under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) framework, saying that this is the best way to end the whole problems.

Standing to lose in the conflict is the peoples of the two countries in terms of trade and economy, not the governments, he added.

Mr Suwit said he will on May 25 attend a bilateral meeting, organised by Unesco, with the Cambodian delegation prior to the WHC meeting.

The minister called for Unesco to show reponsibility.

He said clashes between the two countries derived from the fact that the temple listing was approved while the demarcation of the disputed area has not been completed.

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[Thai] PM orders review of ties with P.Penh

26/04/2011
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday instructed all ministries to review their cooperation with Cambodia in various fields in the wake of the continuing border clashes between soldiers of the two countries.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution:

• Retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area.
• Diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks.
• All ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the siutation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment to meet with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

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Fighting near Preah Vihear and in Surin

26/04/2011
Bangkok Post and AFP

Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed on Tuesday afternoon in the disputed area around Preah Vihear temple on the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, and again on the border in Surin province.

The fighting began about 1.30pm, with sounds of fierce exchanges involving both small arms and heavy weapons, local reports said.

Continuous gunfire could be heard from the area near Wat Kaew Sika Khiri Savara, around the Preah Vihear temple and Phu Makhua.

The violence reportedly erupted after Cambodian soldiers at Wat Kaew Sika Khiri Savara opened fire at a Thai F16 fighter which was flying along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Second Army spokesman Prawit Hookaew said 10 Thai soldiers were wounded in an earlier clash today on the border in Surin province.

Col Prawit said the fighting occurred between 3.20am and 5am, when Cambodian soldiers tried to capture Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temple ruins but were repulsed.

Renewed fighting was reported in the afternoon as the two sides exchanged heavy fire near Ta Muen Thom temple from about 3 pm. Clashes were also reported near Ta Kwai temple and Chong Krang border pass in northeastern Surin province.

There were no reports of death or injuries from either side. In late afternoon the sound of artillery fire was still being heard.

Col Prawit said there are now civilians including women and children staying among Cambodian soldiers at all operational bases around Preah Vihear temple so Thai soldiers have to be more careful to make sure they do not shoot civilians.

"I can assure you that we can protect our sovereignty with our border defence forces.

"Negotiation is out of the question because every movement on the Cambodian side is commanded solely by (Cambodian Prime Minister) Hun Sen.

"Last night seven or eight artillery rounds were fired as us across the border and one of them landed seven or eight kilometres inside Thai territory, near Phanom Dong Rak hospital," Col Prawit said.

The spokesman said the 2nd Army has sufficient military strength to cope with the situation without having to call for reinforcements.

Dr Kamron Chaisiri, a Zone 14 public health inspector, said 10 Thai soldiers suffered minor injuries in the Surin clash early this morning.

They were admitted to Veerawat Yothin military hospital in Surin.

The incident brought the number of wounded up to 42 on the Thai side since the fighting began on Friday, while the death toll remained at five, he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed all ministries to review all areas of their cooperation with Cambodia.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet passed a three-part resolution today:

- Retaliatory militarily action to push Cambodian soldiers out of the disputed area.

- Diplomatic efforts to bring Cambodia back to bilateral talks.

- All ministries are to review work plans and mechanisms involving cooperation with Cambodia.

Mr Panitan said the government has important evidence to be presented in talks to bring about an end to the conflict.

The evidence will also be used to explain the situation to the international community.

He believed the situation would improve after the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia meet at an Asean meeting in Indonesia next week. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also has an appointment with Asean chairman Marty Natalegawa on April 28.

"Thailand will inform the Asean chair that Thailand agrees to international observers but Cambodian troops must withdraw from Preah Vihear," Mr Panitan said.

The government will continue to provide security for the people and take steps to prevent the conflict from escalating further, although Cambodia has shown the intention to do otherwise, he said.

Mr Panitan stressed that the government and the military do not have a conflict of policy.

Even when it becomes a caretaker government following a House dissolution, it will be able to keep the situation under control, he added.

This point was also made by Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban.

He said a continuation of the border conflict would not disrupt the approaching general election.

"Even if the border conflict continues once the government is only in an acting role [after a dissolution], there won't be any constraints or disadvantages because the acting government can perform its duty and still has the full authority to command," Mr Suthep said.

When reporters asked the deputy premier how the border problem would be solved if Cambodia refused to negotiate, he said there will be negotiations when Cambodia is ready.

Thailand will not invade its neighbour's territory, but at the same time the army must protect the country's sovereignty, he said.

The government will not close all Thai-Cambodian border checkpoints as people living along the border in both countries would be affected, he said.

"I don't know why Cambodia wants to capture the Ta Kwai temple ruins. It could be that Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to promote his son [Hun Manet] or create a new hero. I don't want to talk further about this," he said.

Mr Suthep also said he did not believe rumours that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has cancer.

Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the Cambodian army has suffered more losses than the Thai military in the clashes.

"The Thai army is not on the defensive. When they fired five, we fired 20 back," he said.

Cambodia had suffered 10 times the losses of the Thai forces, he said, but the Thai army did not want to invade because it would then become a full-scale war.

He did not give actual details of the Cambodian losses.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday urged Thailand and Cambodia to show restraint and said Washington was "deeply concerned".

She said that the United States had engaged directly with Thai and Cambodian officials in hopes of ending the violence, without providing further details.

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Asean frustrated in bid to solve dispute

26/04/2011
Thanida Tansubhapol
Bangkok Post

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa's abrupt decision not to visit Cambodia and Thailand yesterday clearly indicates the Asean chair's efforts to resolve the border problem between the two countries have so far been frustrated.

Mr Marty was scheduled to visit Cambodia first and then fly on to Thailand to discuss the final draft of the terms of reference (TOR) on placing Indonesian observers in the disputed area on the Thai-Cambodian border.

A government source said Mr Marty told Thai officials that he had "rescheduled" rather than "cancelled" the trip.

It has been speculated that last week's fresh outbreak of violence in the disputed area may have influenced the decision.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said Mr Marty has been expected to sign an agreement to deploy Indonesian observers at the border.

But it remained unsure whether Thailand would sign.

Cambodia has offered its acceptance of the draft. The source said Thailand is ready to sign the TOR with Indonesia but Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi says there had been a "technical" problem.

This could be why Mr Marty asked to reschedule the trip, rather than the latest border clashes.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the delay was because Thailand wants to change some wording in the TOR referring to the observers' immunity issue.

"[Once the draft is accepted] I will ask for approval from the cabinet before exchanging TOR documents with Mr Marty on Thursday during the Asean Ministerial Meeting on social and culture issues to be held in Indonesia," Mr Kasit said.

Indonesia, as Asean chair, became involved in the Thai-Cambodian border problem following Phnom Penh's request to bring a third party into the dispute.

Mr Marty recently sent both countries' accounts of the most recent clashes to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He is also seen trying to speed up adoption of the TOR in order to demonstrate his engagement to the UNSC, from which Cambodia has requested intervention.

Under the TOR draft, Cambodia will allow Indonesian observers to be stationed in three border locations, including the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed zone.

But Thailand is strongly opposed to the presence of observers in the area.

Thailand will allow the observers in four locations in Si Sa Ket province which saw fighting between the two sides during Feb 4 to 7.

However, Thailand can claim success in the barring of forces setting up around the Preah Vihear temple or the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda nearby.

"Asean and the TOR are just the passageway for Cambodia to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) again," the same source said.

Most Thai officials believe that if Cambodia thought it could win another ICJ case, it would have no hesitation in submitting the issue to the court.

But as Cambodia is apparently not so confident of victory this time, it has tried to involve a third party's hand for this objective, the source said.

The latest clashes extended to Surin province's border, which is not covered by the existing TOR.

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Border clashes continue for 4th day [-Prayuth Chan-ocha wants full war with Cambodia?]

25/04/2011
Bangkok Post

A fresh clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers was reported on Monday morning, the fourth day running, but no casualties were reported.

Field reports said there was a clash about 10am around Ta Muen Thom temple near Ban Nong Khan Na in tambon Ta Miang of Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district.

The sounds of rifle, machinegun and mortar fire could be heard continually from the area. No more artillery shells landed on Thai soil.

The public relations centre of the 2nd Army's forward headquarters on Monday reported that five soldiers had been killed and 35 wounded since the fighting began on Friday. There were 25,000 civilian evacuees in Surin and 4,500 in Buri Ram.

2nd Army commander Tawatchai Samutsakhon said the Thai military's response to Cambodian attacks has been limited to military targets, unlike the Cambodian soldiers who fired 10 artillery rounds into Ban Nong Khan Na village in Phanom Dong Rak on Sunday.

A sporadic firefight involving small arms and mortars also occurred between Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples on Sunday night. lasting until about 11pm, he said.

National army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said the government will decide whether or not to go to war with Cambodia over the disputed border, not the military.

The army was ready to follow the orders of the government. However, he believed there should be bilateral meetings, not a war, because people from both sides were being hurt by the conflict.

"If Cambodia doesn't want to negotiate, then it will not be necessary for us to negotiate either," the army chief said.

Thai troops sent to the border area had not retreated, and had retaliated in kind, Gen Prayuth said.

"The Foreign Ministry, the Defence Ministry and the Thai armed forces don't agree with having third-party observers in the disputed border area, but if it is required then there must be regulations to cover it and all troops from the two countries must move out of the area.

"I don't think there is any country that wants foreign troops to invade its territory, and it is not necessary to have third-party observers at this time," Gen Prayuth added.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya urged Surin residents fleeing border clashes to be patient, saying the government and his ministry are trying to end the fighting through negotiations.

Mr Kasit said the evacuees could expect to return home and resume their normal lives soon. The minister later handed over 50 sacks of rice to evacuees in Surin's Ban Khok Klang district and listened to their stories of problems and hardship.

Grandma Lae Suksawaeng, 75, of tambon Tamiang in Phanom Dong Rak district, said she wanted the fighting to end soon because she, like everyone else, wanted to return home.

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Bonds start to mend in Bogor

Progress made on issue of Indonesian observers

8/04/2011
Thanida Tansubhapol & Wassana Nanuam
Bangkok Post

Thailand and Cambodia have resumed Joint Boundary Commission talks in Indonesia to try to resolve their border spat which has seen bilateral relations plunge to their lowest point in years.

Former ambassador Asda Jayanama and Cambodia's top border negotiator Var Kimhong co-chaired the two-day meeting held in Bogor from yesterday.

At the meeting, which will be concluded today , Thailand and Cambodia agreed to work jointly on three issues to support border demarcation, said Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"Thailand and Cambodia have reached agreements to prepare for the survey of border posts 1 to 23 in Surin and Si Saket provinces; to select a company to take aerial photos of the disputed border line; and to conduct a study on the opening of a new border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo, opposite Stung Bot in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province," Mr Chavanond said.

The three resolutions would be put in the record of discussion to be released today. But they would not be implemented until the Thai parliament endorsed the three minutes of the 2008 and 2009 JBC meetings, he said.

"The atmosphere [of the JBC meeting] was good," Mr Chavanond said. "However, Mr Var Kimhong has stressed that Cambodia wants to see the three JBC minutes get parliamentary endorsement so negotiations on other issues could proceed."

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa did not attend the JBC meeting, which lasted about two hours.

He only held separate talks with Mr Asda and Var Kimhong to help the two prepare the meeting procedure and agenda, Mr Chavanond said.

Thailand and Cambodia also agreed that the two nations should quickly turn to the negotiating table should any border clashes take place in the future, he said.

The latest armed clashes flared up in early February around the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple. At least eight people were killed and dozens were injured on both sides.

The skirmishes led to intervention by the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations on Feb 22, when the Informal Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held to end the fighting.

At the Feb 22 meeting, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to resume their bilateral negotiations through the JBC and the General Border Committee (GBC) mechanisms.

The two nations also agreed to accept observers from Indonesia, as the current chair of Asean, to monitor the respective sides of the border to observe the commitments made by both sides to avoid further clashes.

Mr Natalegawa said yesterday that the JBC meeting had made progress on the issue of observers.

Meanwhile, Mr Kasit yesterday said his ministry would take over from the Defence Ministry the task of defining the roles of Indonesian observers and the locations along the Thai-Cambodian border where they would be posted.

The ministry originally only had responsibility for extending diplomatic immunity to the observers while they were stationed in Thailand.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and the Indonesian foreign minister would be briefed about the change on the sidelines of Asean-Japan Special Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Jakarta tomorrow, he said.

The transfer of responsibility was decided on after Mr Kasit talked to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on the phone on Wednesday.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed at their meeting in Jakarta on Feb 22 to accept Indonesian observers to be stationed along their common border.

The move has upset the Thai military which announced on Tuesday it would not allow the observers to enter the disputed area.

But Mr Kasit said he had agreed with Phnom Penh and Jakarta that Indonesian observers could inspect the area. Fifteen Indonesian observers would be deployed in Thailand and 15 in Cambodia.

They would be allowed to approach the disputed area but would not be permitted to enter it. They must not be armed or wear military uniform, and must arrive as diplomats.

Gen Prawit said he had told Mr Kasit that he could make any decision himself during the JBC meeting [in Indonesia] as long as it did not violate the laws and the constitution of Thailand.

"No problem. I believe the minister knows what he should do," he said.

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Veera's mum begs Thaksin to help free jailed pair

Wilaiwan Somkwamkid, centre, mother of Veera Somkwamkid, is greeted by Puea Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit, left at the party’s office. Mrs Wilaiwan, accompanied by her son, Preecha, right, is seeking the help of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in securing Veera’s release from Prey Sar prison in Cambodia.

5/04/2011
Bangkok Post

Family members of jailed Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon have sought the help of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra to secure their release from prison in Cambodia.

Veera's mother Wilaiwan and younger brother Preecha and Ratree's niece Warisa Thongngern have submitted a letter to Thaksin through the Puea Thai Party in the hope that he would be able to help the two.

The families believed Thaksin had previously helped arrange the release of Thai air traffic controller Sivarak Chutipong, who was also charged with espionage, after he passed details of Thaksin's flight plans to the Thai embassy in 2009.

Mrs Wilaiwan said her family had waited for four months for the present government to help her son. Mr Preecha, Veera's younger brother, last month submitted a letter through Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva seeking help, but no progress had been made, she said.

Thaksin's aide in Thailand, Noppadon Pattama, received the letter on behalf of his boss. He said he would send it to Thaksin by email.

He believed Thaksin, who he said was now in a Middle Eastern country, would discuss the matter with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Thaksin was briefly a special adviser to Hun Sen, a controversial appointment.

Veera and Ratree are serving time in Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh. They were sentenced to eight and six years in jail respectively for spying and illegal entry.

Five other Thais who were arrested at the same time on Dec 29 last year for illegal entry were sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. They were freed after the court suspended their remaining eight-month jail terms.

Meanwhile, the Thai Patriots Network yesterday decided to withdraw from Veera and Ratree's case.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, the leader of the Thai Patriots Network, said the network would leave the case in the hands of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Veera and Ratree have signed a document empowering Karun Saingam, a member of the network's legal team, to represent them.

Mr Chaiwat said Mr Abhisit had tried to drive a wedge between the families of the two and the network.

He said the network would not interfere in the decision of the families to seek help from Thaksin.

"If they believe it will speed up the release, it is fine. The government and the Foreign Ministry aren't sincere in helping either of them," he said.

"I think anyone can help. It is not a slap to the face of the government. We feel sympathetic towards the families of Veera and Ratree who want them to be released as quickly as possible," Mr Abhisit said.

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Tea Banh: Prawit agrees to Indonesia GBC meeting

via CAAI

Published: 30/03/2011

Online news: Local News

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has agreed to attend the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Indonesia, according to Cambodia's Defence Minister Tea Banh.

Gen Tea Banh announced the agreement in an interview with the Bangkok Post in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

Gen Prawit has repeatedly said he would not go to the GBC meeting, scheduled to be held in Bogor, Indonesia, on April 7-8. He has said the GBC should be purely bilateral and the meeting held in either Cambodia or Thailand, not in Indonesia or any other third country.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon (left) and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Banh (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Gen Tea Banh claimed he had talked over this matter with Gen Prawit and that the Thai minister had agreed to go to the meeting in Indonesia.

He said he would himself leave for Indonesia on April 6.

"The Thai side can't insist not going because it has agreed with the United Nations Security Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to let Indonesia mediate talks with Cambodia," Gen Tea Banh said.

"I still believe Gen Prawit will definitely go to Indonesia for the April 7-8 meeting. I'll be waiting for him over there," he added.

An informed source said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has made it a policy for the Cambodian army that in talks with their Thai counterparts they must insist on not withdrawing Cambodian troops from the 4.6 square kilometre disputed area.

Hun Sen has said Cambodian soldiers were duty-bound to remain in the area, regardless of for how long.

His objective is for Thailand to accept observers from Indonesia into the disputed area for inspections, the source said.

The source also said Hun Sen would not be happy if he happened to see a Cambodian soldier talk to a Thai soldier in the Thai language.

"The prime minister said Cambodian soldiers must speak Cambodian, and use an interpreter if necessary," the source said.

Meanwhile, the Phnom Penh government insists Thai investors are welcome in Cambodia despite the long-standing border conflict between the two countries.

Thai investors, too, are confident the tense border conflict will not affect their investment plans.

Cambodian Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said Thai investors are eligible for tax privileges and Thai products imported by them are exempted from taxation for a period of three to eight years.

Mr Thong Khon was full of praise for such Thai businessman as Supachai Verapuchong, managing director of the Sofitel Phnom Penh Pookeerhra Hotel, for his continued investment in Cambodia even though the hotel, formerly known as the Royal Phnom Penh, was severely damaged in an anti-Thai rioting in Phnom Penh in December 2006.

Prime Minister Hun Sen's policy is to encourage more foreign investment in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Koh Kong.

Countries in this region which have invested in Cambodia are China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. Those from elsewhere include Australia, Portugal, England, the United States and France.

Mr Supachai, who invested more than two billion baht in the five-star Sofitel Phnom Penh Pookeethra Hotel, said even though the relations between Thailand and Cambodia are plagued with uncertainty he has confidence in the Cambodian government's policy toward investors, including those from Thailand.

In 2006, Mr Supachai invested US$40 million in the Sofitel Ankor Hotel and a golf course in Siem Reap.

"Despite turbulence, Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours. We have to walk together as friends," he said.

"In four years from now, there will not be a tariff wall in Asean. The question is whether Thai investors and the Thai government are ready for the days ahead, when business competition will be tougher.

"So we should establish business ties, which will subsequently lead to improvement of relations in other fields," Mr Supachai said.

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Rising above the temple storm

PRASART PRAH VIHARN: KONG THAI RUA KHONG KRAI KANNAIR (PREAH VIHEAR: DOES THE TEMPLE BELONG TO THAIS OR OTHERS?): Available in Thai at all good bookshops for 99 baht.

An objective look at the facts behind the fury surrounding the Preah Vihear ownership debate

27/03/2011

Anchalee Kongrut

Bangkok Post

Do we need another book on the subject of Preah Vihear - an ancient Khmer style temple that has been sparking rows between Thailand and Cambodian time and again?

Given the magnitude of the problem and associated arguments _ most of them funnelled by patriotic or political motives - the need for a dispassionate look at the underlying issues is, if anything, more important.

If you are looking for a book that will confirm your patriotic ideology, this is not for you. It addresses the temple as a cultural heritage object with a long history shared by both countries.

Santi Pakdeekam is an expert on Cambodia. A graduate from Silpakorn University's faculty of archaeology, he later pursued a master's degree in ancient Eastern inscriptions and teaches Khmer language at Srinakharinwirot University.

He has also written many history books, including a review of the Khmer versions of the Ramayana.

This 97-page book is not a chatty anecdote-filled tome, nor a serious, yawn-inducing academic book on history and archaeology. It treads a middle path.

Santi presents his arguments dispassionately, while explaining why the temple means so much to both sides.

In 1038, King Suriyavoraman I built the magnificent temple and called it ''Sri Sikareesuan'', which originated from the word for Shiva lingum.

This was how the temple was known until the legal dispute between Thailand and Cambodia unfolded over Preah Vihear at the International Court of Justice at The Hague in 1959.

The book includes everything you need to know to understand the Preah Vihear dispute: the notorious 1:200,000 scale map made by the French, Unesco's role, and previous political attempts to claim ownership of the temple.

Thanks to his solid knowledge and unbiased passion, Santi manages to tell a story of the temple that stands the test of time.

''People tend to forget that this stone temple does not belong to certain country. Indeed, it is heritage of the Southeast Asian region and it deserves collective conservation.'' (KI-Media: sic!)

The book is readable even for readers without historical knowledge of the temple, and is ideal for those who prefer a sober view.

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