Wednesday, 18 June 2008

Tell us what was said

By The Nation
Published on June 18, 2008

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama has come under an unwanted spotlight over the past few days with the general public and the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy turning the heat up on him, calling on him to come clean about whatever agreement he has reached with Cambodia.

Tension between Thailand and Cambodia has been brewing since last year because of the latter's decision to ask Unesco to declare the ancient Preah Vihear Hindu temple a World Heritage site.

Bangkok immediately protested about Phnom Penh's unilateral move because the map handed to Unesco incorporated 4.6 square kilometres of disputed territory into it.

But just days ago, Noppadon informed the public that Cambodia had agreed to delete the disputed territory from the map given to Unesco. Noppadon said he considered the matter settled and that we all should be happy with the outcome. Ironically, Noppadon sees himself as a hero - the man who prevented Cambodia from creeping into Thailand's territory.

Unfortunately, few believe him. The public is calling him a proxy of ousted premier Thaksin. The minister, it seems, forgets that he is accountable to the people who elected him. So, in other words, show us the map! Excuse us, but we don't believe you.

The problem with the disputed territory has a lot to do with how the area is managed and administered. A Buddhist temple, about 50 houses and scores of shops have been built in the disputed area. And so when local Thai authorities build a fence to prevent further construction on Thai territory, the Cambodian vendors assume that the fence is the farthest they can go.

Interestingly, Noppadon said that within two years, the problems with developments in the disputed territory will be resolved. Again, no details were given as to what kind of concessions the two sides were willing to make. It's time that Noppadon backed up his words with evidence. Excuse us, but we don't trust you.

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