At least two people were killed in clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces on their disputed border Feb. 4. A Cambodian soldier and a Thai villager are reported killed, with several more wounded, in a two-hour artillery exchange. The fatalities are the first since a Thai soldier was killed a year ago in a similar clash over the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, a UN World Heritage site that is claimed by both countries.
The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but did not determine the status of a small plot of land next to the ruins. Ties between the two countries deteriorated after the temple was granted UN world heritage status in 2008, with Thai nationalists arguing that the action threatened their country’s sovereignty.
The new clashes come three days after a Cambodian court handed down prison terms of six and eight years to two Thai nationals found guilty of trespassing and spying in the border region. It also coincided with a Cambodia visit by Kasit Piromya, the Thai foreign minister, aimed at reducing tensions.
That same day, three security officers were killed in two attacks by presumed Muslim separatists in Thailand’s south. The attacks follow an intensification of violence in the region over the past two weeks, including a deadly raid on an army camp, a roadside bombing, several drive-by attacks, and the execution-style shooting of a Buddhist family. (AlJazeera, Feb. 4)
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Violate the judgment
Cambodia want to peace negotiations with 3 or more international countries/organizations. But Thailand want to negotiations with 2 countries only. Hahaha how mysteries they are afraid!!! Why they don’t accept the international judgments!!! SIAM feign.
A Fight Over A Temple? Seriously?
Firstly, let me say that I am from Thailand originally and have several Cambodian friends. We actually go to the same Buddhist temple in San Francisco.
The problem is not that the temple is valuable for it’s religious significance. It is important for it’s FINANCIAL significance. Believe me, I am all for people learning about the religion of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Burma. But the problem is when the ancient temples become cash cows. This is one of the drawbacks of “cultural tourism.” It unfortunately can lead many into greed and hatred.
Buddhist spam?
I find your comment slightly ironic, given that you posted twice with a link to a website that sells Buddhist statuary.