On the border dispute with Thailand - Op-Ed by MP

Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Op-Ed by Anonymous Reader MP

By all means pursue legal avenues to regain any Khmer territories/temples (Ta Moan Thom?) currently under Thai control. The Thais, however, having lost the Preah Vihea case at the ICJ are unlikely to co-operate through legal processes, and that is why they always insist on 'bilateral' negotiation - a delaying tactic designed to wear down the political will of their opponents. If pressed, they will likely put forward 'joint-development' proposals which, with their existing superior physical infrastructures such as roads and tourism logistics, will mean that Thailand can resume its pre-dispute position, taking the lion's share in future development of these areas.

It is in Cambodia's interest to transform traditionally conflict scarred regions into zones of peace and development, but this should not override vital national boundary and integrity which must be clearly delineated and defended from further encroachments. Failing to do so will leave future generations with compounded and unfair burdens to bear. They could be your own children or grand children answering the calls of nationalistic duties.

Cambodia should learn from Laos who spent 2 years honing their military prowess, spending millions of dollars on military hardware in the process prior to their effective campaign to seize disputed Mekong islets from Thailand in the late 1980s.

Until such a time when territorial disputes can be amicably settled, Cambodia should be in a position to back up her legitimate claims with telling, concrete measures, rather than being bamboozled to no end with empty gestures from Bangkok.

Lives will be lost and people will be maimed in armed clashes, but just as our ancestors had been compelled to make these sacrifices so that we have a place still to call home, the sacrifice to be made by the soldiers and their families will not be forgotten by a grateful nation.