By The Nation
Published on October 17, 2008
One can only hope both sides keep their cool during the scheduled meeting on Tuesday
A theme has been set for Thai-Cambodian relations: from now on their long-standing border disputes will be firmly on the front burner, which could impact Asean as a whole, especially during Thailand's chairmanship. Never before has the regional grouping faced the dilemma of dealing with battling members. Asean has always been proud that its members have never gone to war since it was established in 1967. Now, sporadic border skirmishes between the two countries are becoming a regular occurrence.
It was regrettable that two Cambodian soldiers were killed during the brief scuffle near Si Sa Ket. The men from both sides are like brothers. They shared the same beds and rice cookers. But it was unfortunate that their leaders ordered them to turn their guns against each other. Such myopic plans are bound to backfire.
Since tensions began, it was obvious that Cambodia was taking a rather assertive stance towards Thailand, knowing full well the Kingdom's vulnerability. Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong played his cards skilfully - criticising Thailand after Prime Minister Hun Sen issued an ultimatum on Thai troop withdrawal the other day. He threatened to use force to push out Thai troops, an action that contravenes the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Indeed, Hun Sen's leadership style is very mysterious to us all. He was bit erratic when he met Thai leaders for discussions early in the week. During the talks he was nice and exchanged pleasantries, but after that he went on the warpath.
As the grouping's longest-serving premier, Hun Sen is making his presence felt within the region. His electoral victory would continue to strengthen his grip on power in this young democracy. In weeks to come, one can expect lots more vitriol against Thailand. Cambodia would also like to seek international arbitration for the current dispute.
After some earlier recalcitrance, the Thai Foreign Ministry is now expressing readiness to deal with any jurisprudence Cambodia wants to associate with. Phnom Penh again might want to have the issue discussed within Asean, to test Thailand's leadership. After all, it failed to put the dispute over Preah Vihear temple forward at the Asean foreign ministerial meeting in July.
Of course, as chair, Thailand has a lot to answer for if the issue is raised. Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra angrily threatened to boycott the Asean summit in Vientiane in 2004 if Malaysia raised the issue of conflicts in the South of Thailand. Now, Thailand's stake is much higher because it has multiple roles to play as Asean chair and deal with a volatile political situation at home.
At the Foreign Ministry's briefing with Bangkok-based diplomats yesterday, Thailand's position was clear - the current dispute is a bilateral issue, which should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations. In fact, bilateral talks have been proceeding well even though there were no tangible results. The fact that both sides were talking should be welcomed. Yesterday, both sides agreed to halt hostile moves during four-hour talks between regional army commanders. They also agreed to cease fighting and go for joint Thai-Cambodian patrols over the disputed areas.
Judging from their body language yesterday, they were friendly. So, both sides should allow their government and military experts to work together and find a common solution.
Meanwhile, the Thai military uncovered fresh landmines planted by Cambodia, which has raised concerns over Phnom Penh's commitment to the Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban Treaty. Thailand is fully committed to the treaty and has been removing mines from the porous border. Now Cambodia will have to explain why these dangerous landmines were there in the first place. Haven't they suffered enough during the 1970s civil war?
Thailand and Cambodia will hold the scheduled border talks in Siem Reap on Tuesday. This time around, it is hoped that both sides will maintain their cool and continue persevering, because any solution acceptable to both sides would require time and extraordinary amounts of understanding and compromise - something both sides are refusing to give at this time.
Published on October 17, 2008
One can only hope both sides keep their cool during the scheduled meeting on Tuesday
A theme has been set for Thai-Cambodian relations: from now on their long-standing border disputes will be firmly on the front burner, which could impact Asean as a whole, especially during Thailand's chairmanship. Never before has the regional grouping faced the dilemma of dealing with battling members. Asean has always been proud that its members have never gone to war since it was established in 1967. Now, sporadic border skirmishes between the two countries are becoming a regular occurrence.
It was regrettable that two Cambodian soldiers were killed during the brief scuffle near Si Sa Ket. The men from both sides are like brothers. They shared the same beds and rice cookers. But it was unfortunate that their leaders ordered them to turn their guns against each other. Such myopic plans are bound to backfire.
Since tensions began, it was obvious that Cambodia was taking a rather assertive stance towards Thailand, knowing full well the Kingdom's vulnerability. Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong played his cards skilfully - criticising Thailand after Prime Minister Hun Sen issued an ultimatum on Thai troop withdrawal the other day. He threatened to use force to push out Thai troops, an action that contravenes the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. Indeed, Hun Sen's leadership style is very mysterious to us all. He was bit erratic when he met Thai leaders for discussions early in the week. During the talks he was nice and exchanged pleasantries, but after that he went on the warpath.
As the grouping's longest-serving premier, Hun Sen is making his presence felt within the region. His electoral victory would continue to strengthen his grip on power in this young democracy. In weeks to come, one can expect lots more vitriol against Thailand. Cambodia would also like to seek international arbitration for the current dispute.
After some earlier recalcitrance, the Thai Foreign Ministry is now expressing readiness to deal with any jurisprudence Cambodia wants to associate with. Phnom Penh again might want to have the issue discussed within Asean, to test Thailand's leadership. After all, it failed to put the dispute over Preah Vihear temple forward at the Asean foreign ministerial meeting in July.
Of course, as chair, Thailand has a lot to answer for if the issue is raised. Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra angrily threatened to boycott the Asean summit in Vientiane in 2004 if Malaysia raised the issue of conflicts in the South of Thailand. Now, Thailand's stake is much higher because it has multiple roles to play as Asean chair and deal with a volatile political situation at home.
At the Foreign Ministry's briefing with Bangkok-based diplomats yesterday, Thailand's position was clear - the current dispute is a bilateral issue, which should be addressed through dialogue and negotiations. In fact, bilateral talks have been proceeding well even though there were no tangible results. The fact that both sides were talking should be welcomed. Yesterday, both sides agreed to halt hostile moves during four-hour talks between regional army commanders. They also agreed to cease fighting and go for joint Thai-Cambodian patrols over the disputed areas.
Judging from their body language yesterday, they were friendly. So, both sides should allow their government and military experts to work together and find a common solution.
Meanwhile, the Thai military uncovered fresh landmines planted by Cambodia, which has raised concerns over Phnom Penh's commitment to the Anti-Personnel Landmine Ban Treaty. Thailand is fully committed to the treaty and has been removing mines from the porous border. Now Cambodia will have to explain why these dangerous landmines were there in the first place. Haven't they suffered enough during the 1970s civil war?
Thailand and Cambodia will hold the scheduled border talks in Siem Reap on Tuesday. This time around, it is hoped that both sides will maintain their cool and continue persevering, because any solution acceptable to both sides would require time and extraordinary amounts of understanding and compromise - something both sides are refusing to give at this time.
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