govt takes a beating

THE NATION
Published on July 10, 2008

Headlines in the local press are calling for the government to take responsibility for mishandling of the Preah Vihear case.

The temple continues to be a hot topic; one that could lead to the impeachment of the entire Cabinet. The case has drawn strong public interest, especially since the World Heritage

Committee agreed to Cambodia's solo application to list Preah Vihear as a World Heritage site.

The future of the government became uncertain after the Constitution Court ruled that the joint communique signed by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and Cambodian deputy prime minister Sok An in support of the application was unconstitutional. Civic groups and the Democrat Party have called on Noppadon to resign.

But should Noppadon be the only one to blame? Matichon's edition yesterday carried the headline: "Take responsibility for Preah Vihear. Calls for the government to quit!" The sub-headline said: "Court rules 8:1 that it was unconstitutional. Democrats prepare to impeach. Samak reacts during the Cabinet meeting: "How can they press the whole Cabinet to leave? Damn it!"

Krungthep Turakij said in its headline: "Noppadon must quit to extend the government's tenure." The sub-headline read: "Samak keeps a low profile at his residence in Navamind. Private sector fears that House dissolution would create a vacuum and economic woes will linger."

Thai Post's headline read: "Clear out all nominees." Below were two stories with an equally prominent position. The People Power Party is likely to face destruction after the Supreme Court ruled that former House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat had committed electoral fraud.
The other story highlighted the Court's ruling, by 8:1, that the Preah Vihear joint communique was unconstitutional.

Nonetheless, the local press called in their editorial leaders for the public to protest within the legal framework. The World Court ruled in 1962 that the temple belonged to Cambodia. In spite of Thailand's disagreement, the country was obliged to respect that decision.

Although the People's Alliance for Democracy had raised suspicions about the joint communique between Thailand and Cambodia, it was done according to democratic principles. The Democrat Party's move to file a criminal case against the foreign minister was done according to the rule of law.

However, it is most undesirable to instigate hatred among Thais for neighbouring countries. No one should take this incident as an excuse to instigate violence or encourage people to destroy the property of others. This would be unacceptable.

Matichon urged Thais to look at the issue in a positive way by proposing to list the surrounding areas of the temple - under Thai sovereignty - as an adjacent World Heritage site. The nomination would promote tourism activity and help to reduce the confrontational atmosphere. Such a constructive act would enable both sides of the political divide to benefit.