Cambodia needs to address its border’s issues with every neighboring country, especially with Vietnam and Thailand because it has been reported that these countries continue to encroach Cambodian territory. Recently, Thailand has had its national political problems, gradually more from the time after Mr. Thaksin was ousted. The current administration needs to do something to satisfy Thai Voters. Campaign promises of the current Thai’s ruling party regarding Preah Vihear must be handled properly. Good relationship between Ex-PM Thaksin and Premier Hun Sen is a thorn that troubles current Thai Prime Minister. He is looking for more reasons to divert Thais people from its internal problems. Border tensions between the two countries have helped both political parties—current ruling party of Cambodia and of Thailand. Unfortunately, Cambodia/Vietnam border’s issues have been forgotten and the CPP is not going to stir up the problems with the Vietnamese. First, if it does, Cambodia cannot handle two enemies at the same time; secondly, the CPP will lose the friendship protection from Vietnamese incase it has to battle the Thai forces. However, the border problems with Thailand, should give the Cambodian government a good reason to also settle border's problems with Vietnam correctly. The opposition parties are stuck. They cannot make much noises against the CPP in any case at this time. Any move will be seen as if they are trying to help Cambodia’s “enemies.” Every attempt to discredit Hun Sen needs to be done carefully. Premier Hun Sen is able to use Preah Vihear issues to his advantage. So is the Thai Premier. ========================== In a message dated 7/8/2009 1:17:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
_Cambodia marks anniversary of temple's world heritage listing_ (http://cambodianbrightfuture.blogspot.com/2009/07/cambodia-marks-anniversary-of-temple s.html) Comment: Thinking outside the box, we absolutely agree that Preah Vihear must belong to Cambodia, Cambodia territory land has to be protected, Cambodian people have to celebrate any meaningful successes regarding pride and heritage of Cambodian nation. But thinking inside the box would offer us different taste. In reality, Preah Vihear will be officially listed by UNESCO or not, this ancient ruin is legally belonging to Cambodia. The decision of the World Court ruled in 1962 legally and internationally claimed the legal ownership of Cambodia over Preah Vihear temple. This is one of the prolific legacies of King Norodom Sihanouk. But what value and pride in this time for Cambodians to celebrate Preah Vihear again with this government's event organizing to diffuse such a doubtful nationalism? Is it just a plan designed by Sok An or CPP government to mobilize nationalism for the benefit of CPP? It is truly showing us that this time, nationalism has been tremendously influenced by the coverage of biased mass media and sponsored by the government. In reality, we don't know much on whow are relevant plans and mechanisms that government has taken steps to handle with the scheme of Preah Vihear temple? More than this, this Preah Vihear scheme has made Cambodian people forget all the controversial border issues with Vietnam. Cambodian people who are living along the border with Vietnam have complained a lot about their farms and lands have been gradually encroached by Vietnam, but TV channels or radios dare not cover about those complains. Local authority has always used their accuses to close those complains. This time is like a popular Khmer proverb says "while Thailand is crazily trying to take the stone from Cambodia, Vietnam is happily taking Cambodia land and enforcing its hegemonic authority over Cambodia". In term of stone, Angkor Wat is controlled by Vietnamese company and guarded by Vietnamese policemen. In term of land, Vietnamese people are allowing to resettle and plant their houses in every spot of Cambodian soil. Cambodian buddhist monks pray and hold a picture of the Preah Vihear temple Cambodian students mark the 1st Anniversary of the northern Preah Vihear temple's world heritage listing PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Cambodians on Tuesday noisily celebrated the first anniversary of the UN's world heritage listing of an ancient temple which has stoked nationalist tensions with neighbouring Thailand. Posters of the 11th century Preah Vihear temple were plastered in pagodas, schools and prominent locations around the capital Phnom Penh while celebrators screamed, "Long Live Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site!" "As Cambodian people, we are very proud of Preah Vihear temple. We must celebrate this day, it is historic for us," Phnom Penh governor Kep Chuktema said after a traditional dance ceremony at a pagoda in front of 1,000 people. Waving colourful Cambodian flags, Buddhist monks, nuns, students and teachers gathered at pagodas and schools nationwide and promptly beat drums and rang bells at 11:00 am (0400 GMT) to herald the listing, officials said. "I am very happy and proud of Preah Vihear temple. The temple belongs to Cambodia. Thailand has no right to claim it," said student Hang Dalune as at another event as hundreds of people sang and danced to nationalist songs, waving Cambodian flags. Soldiers, villagers, monks and officials at Preah Vihear also celebrated the listing despite a standoff nearby between Cambodian and Thai troops, Cambodian commanders said. The neighbouring countries have been at loggerheads over the land around the Preah Vihear temple for decades, but tensions spilled over into violence last July when the temple was granted UN World Heritage status. Although the World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance to the ancient Khmer temple with its crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings is from northeastern Thailand. Thousands of people were also expected to gather in Phnom Penh's Olympic Stadium Tuesday evening for an anniversary ceremony complete with a fireworks display, official speeches and patriotic songs. Relations between Thailand and Cambodia worsened last month when Bangkok announced it would ask UNESCO to reconsider its decision to list Preah Vihear as a world heritage site, as the surrounding land is still in dispute. -- Cambodian Brighter Future depends on enduring conscience and tireless strivings of Cambodian Younger Generation! _http://cambodianbrightfuture.blogspot.com_ (http://cambodianbrightfuture.blogspot.com/) **************Popular laptop deals plus free shipping! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221917659x1201411421/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Faltfarm.media plex.com%2Fad%2Fck%2F12309%2D81939%2D1629%2D2) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group. This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language. Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia. 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