[History in Brief] Thailand-Cambodia : A Love-Hate Relationship

In brief:

In light of these similarities, it seems surprising, therefore, that relations between Thailand and Cambodia should be characterized by deep-seated “ignorance, misunderstanding, and prejudice.” Indeed, the two countries have what can be termed “a love-hate relationship.”

This lack of understanding is reflected in the thinking of a considerable number of educated Thais and members of the ruling class, who distinguish between the Khom and the Khmer, considering them to be two separate ethnic groups. They assert that it was the Khom, not the Khmer, who built the majestic temple complexes at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom and who founded one of the world’s truly magnificent ancient empires. They further claim that Khmer culture, for instance its various forms of masked dance drama, is merely a “derivative” of Thai culture. (This is despite the fact that the word “Khom” is derived from the old Thai “Khmer krom,” meaning “lowland Khmer.” In spoken Thai, “Khmer” was gradually dropped, leaving only “krom,” which over time became, first, “klom” or “kalom,” and then eventually “Khom.”)

Source: View here the full article

[Cambodia and Thailand] Fighting erupts on border

Written by Post Staff

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Cambodian and Thai troops open fire on each other with small arms and artillery as tensions in disputed territory near Preah Vihear temple boil over Heavy fighting erupted Wednesday on the border near Preah Vihear temple, killing at least two Cambodian soldiers and wounding two others, Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said. Several Thai troops were also hurt in the clash, a Cambodian military commander said as a standoff over disputed border territory that has simmered since July turned violent. "This is very serious," said General Chea Saran, deputy commander of infantry operating on the frontier between the two countries. An unnamed military officer at the Ministry of Defence also confirmed that the two sides engaged in battle at Veal Antri, saying that a Thai helicopter had fired on the Cambodian lines, with the Cambodians responding with anti-aircraft weapons. The fighting lasted for more than two hours before Thai military commanders asked for negotiations, said Chum Chamrong, deputy commander of military police in Preah Vihear province. Tensions have been building on the frontier since Thai troops reportedly crossed the border into Cambodia in July. Several rounds of crisis talks, the most recent occurring on Monday between Thai Foreign Minister Sompong Amornvivat and his Cambodian counterpart, Hor Namhong, and Prime Minister Hun Sen, have failed to find a solution. Soldiers from both sides engaged in a brief firefight at Veal Antri on October 3, wounding three troops. Two Thai soldiers were badly wounded when they stepped on land mines two days later while patrolling near the Cambodian front lines. Following Monday's negotiations, Hun Sen threatened to turn the border into a "battle zone" if Thai troops did not leave Cambodia. Cambodian commanders said Tuesday that Thailand withdrew its soldiers - a claim that was disputed by Bangkok. Loun An, deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey province, said Cambodian and Thai troops have shelled each other, and some 40 Thai troops have been surrounded by Cambodian soldiers. Ten Thai troops near Preah Vihear temple were captured during the clash, military officials said. In Phnom Penh, fears of a repeat of the 2003 anti-Thai riots forced the Thai embassy to send its non-essential staff home, while Thailand's foreign minister said he was prepared to evacuate Thai citizens, according to wire service reports. Source: Phnom Penh Post

Cambodia - Current situation

For me as for general Cambodian people is waiting for two results:
1. National Election
As we can see that Cambodian People's party is over win, then Sam Rang Si and next for Human Right's Party, Nordom Ranarid and Funcinpic.
But wait for the last announcement about it.

2. The border between Cambodia and Thailand, that's yesterday, the discussing about both minister is going to better situation for Preah Vihear area.
As personally, I suppose that the solution should be fair enough to Cambodia. If we are gentle, we should get what is exactly ours. Wish it so!

Preah Vihear - the hot area between Cambodia and Thailand

As personally, it is very bad news that Thai doesn't understand well the history, sending troops to Cambodian lands!

I do hope, both governments will find the better way to solve the issue.
But we, Cambodian, sure.. we will win the court, hope UN helps to solve the issue better than war between each country.

Many resource articles to notice:
http://www.preah-vihear.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prasat_Preah_Vihear
http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?sum=284&code=ct&p1=3&p2=3&case=45&k=46&p3=5

The current event related to Preah Vihear:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Cambodian-Thai_stand-off

Preah Vihea Temple, a world heritage now!

Preah Vihea Temple is Cambodian's since 12th century.
Now it's a world heritage, 07/07/2008
Congratulation to Cambodian people.

Of course, I'm proud to be Khmer!