Preah Vihear Temple, Cambodia

Posted by Mari Nicholson Aug 16, 2008

After a month of military standoff on the Cambodian-Thai border, it looks as though both countries can breathe a little easier, as both Thailand and Cambodia have commenced to withdraw from the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda near the Preah Vihear Temple and the surrounding area of the Cambodian province.

This withdrawal is seen as a bid to ease tensions around the 11th century Kymer-style Hindu temple, escalated after UNESCO listed the temple as World Heritage site. The International Court of Justice in 1962 ruled that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but an area of just under 5 kl. adjacent to the temple remains in dispute between the two countries.

Both sides were reported to have in excess of 1,000 troops stationed on either side of the disputed border, but so far neither side has said how many troops are being withdrawn and this could prove the sticking point. The Thai government is on record as saying that the troop withdrawal should not affect the country’s capability to protect its sovereignty and it is leaving the decision in the hands of the military.

The foreign ministers of the two countries met in Siem Reap late July to try and resolve the dispute and at that time both sides agreed on a de-mining survey programme and a border demarcation by the Joint Boundary Commission. However, Thai troops entering Tamone Toch and Tamone Thom temples on August 3rd last, somewhat aggravated the standoff.

Now another meeting has been called between the two men in the Thai resort of Hua Hin just two hours from Bangkok. Perhaps this royal resort (the king lives there in his summer palace for most of the year) will work its charm on the Foreign Ministers.