Now to rebuild thai-cambodian relations

The Nation
Published on July 9, 2008

With the Preah Vihear Temple issue decided, it's time for a new foreign minister to focus on Asean

The World Heritage Committee yesterday accepted the Temple of Preah Vihear, straddling Thai-Cambodian border, as a World Heritage site. The 21-member inter-governmental independent body accepted and agreed to Cambodia's unilateral application. Cambodia won the inscription from the World Heritage Committee by claiming that it owns the temple under a 1962 verdict by the World Court. Thailand failed in a last-ditch effort to block the inscription claiming it would need to be part of a joint application. Thailand's long-standing position on the Khmer temple is that it respects the World Court's decision but reserves the right to appeal or to find a way to reclaim the ancient monument.

Unfortunately, the political reality at this point has made it impossible for the two countries to undertake a joint approach. The World Heritage Committee would like both countries to work together to safeguard the temple complex. It has requested that Cambodia convene an international coordinating committee and invite Thailand and other appropriate partners as members.

Now, it is high time to mend fences. Thailand, with adjacent areas beyond Cambodia's claims, must immediately find ways to assist in preserving this beautiful Hindu temple. Despite the high political temperature both in Thailand and Cambodia, this episode should now be put to rest. It is clear that the temple's listing will not affect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand, as many have suggested. This was the bone of contention for protesters against the Samak government and Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama.

The Constitution Court ruled yesterday that the joint communique signed by Noppadon on June 18 was unconstitutional because it violated Article 190 of the new charter, which mandates that all international commitments and treaties must be first debated and approved by the House of Representatives. The World Heritage Committee has considered the communique of June 18, signed by both governments with attached documents, as invalid. Cambodia has submitted a new graphic plan which differs from the previous map, with a reduced perimeter proposed for inscription. Phnom Penh has acknowledged that, in future, new archaeological findings might allow a joint nomination. It is hoped that Cambodia would comply with such a request as soon as possible.

Noppadon has already said he will take responsibility for the failure to postpone the committee's decision. He has repeatedly said that, but any respectable politician would have resigned long ago without further humiliation. Earlier, he portrayed himself as a hero who protected the country's sovereignty. That was rather childish because it allowed the opposition to capitalise on his exaggeration. He has completely failed to explain his fast-track action without going through the House of Representatives. Although the joint communique was not part of the application submitted by Cambodia, it did damage the government and Noppadon.

Indeed, Nopphadon is the wrong choice as foreign minister. He was rewarded because of his loyalty to, and legal work for, deposed leader Thaksin. And he still behaves as if he is Thaksin's lawyer. His biggest problem is lack of common sense or credibility to speak on behalf of Thailand. His judgements and comments cause great confusion to the public. Sometimes, one has a strong feeling that he does all this quite deliberately.

His mediocrity does not augur well for Thailand becoming the chair of Asean from July 25 until the end of 2009. As chair, Thailand will host at least two dozen summits in the next 18 months, involving leaders from 27 countries. As such, this promises to be a great period for Thai diplomacy, offering a chance for us to show leadership and regional vision. Thailand needs a new foreign minister who can speak on behalf of Asean as a whole. He must also represent Thailand and the Thai people. So far, Noppadon has not shown any interest in the affairs of Asean. He has not yet given any substantive interview concerning Thailand's role in Asean and the grouping's future.