Anticipation is growing among Thais for the reopening of the Preah Vihear temple ruins in Si Sa Ket after a 15-year suspension to boost tourism and promote peace dialogue with Cambodia. The temple has been inaccessible from Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district since 2008 as a end result of border disputes between the 2 nations.
Soldiers from each Thailand and Cambodia stay stationed along the border in Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2013 referred to as for the withdrawal of armed forces from the temple ruins on the Cambodian facet but allowed border patrol forces on the outer frontiers. Despite the ICJ decision urging joint growth of the world surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, no progress has been made because the 2011 ceasefire.
The Preah Vihear temple, once a well-liked vacationer spot, has been inaccessible from Thai territory for over a decade. Local sources report numerous makes an attempt by Thailand to collaborate with Cambodia on reopening tourism around the temple complex. However, these requests have been rejected, with the Cambodian government stating that only Prime Minister Hun Sen can make such decisions.
Both Thai and Cambodian troopers proceed to be deployed within the area surrounding the temple under the “5+5 Policy,” which requires five officers from every country to be stationed on the frontier’s coordination level. This coverage aims to stop misunderstandings and promote communication between the two sides.
Despite the military presence, Thai and Cambodian troopers in the area have been participating in recreational actions together, corresponding to taking half in volleyball, rattan ball, and petanque. Officers from both sides also socialise over dinner, and their supervisors maintain contact, reported Bangkok Post.
Cambodian army leaders have instructed that the scenario could proceed as long as the territorial dispute remains unresolved. Thai and Cambodian locals have encroached on the disputed area multiple times, with officers making an attempt to negotiate and take away them from the realm.
A potential solution to ease the border conflict involves allowing vacationers to entry the Preah Vihear temple from Si Sa Ket and allowing Cambodian vacationers to enter Pha Mor E-Daeng in Khao Phra Viharn National Park. The supply added…
“If Cambodia allows access to the temple from Thailand’s side, it would benefit tourists and entice extra individuals to go to. [ Smooth sailing and Cambodia] ought to be part of hands to promote tourism.”