Coming into 3 months after Thai troops have invaded Cambodia territory and sovereignty integrity since July 15, 2008 while Preah Vihear temple was inscribed as World Heritage status by the UN cultural body UNESCO in Quebec in July 08, 2008 and then angering a handful of Thai nationalists who claim ownership of the temple.
Gunfight between Cambodian and Thai troops erupted shortly on Wednesday, in October 15, 2008 at around 2:30 pm near Preah Vihear temple, by leaving the both soldiers dead and injured. Cambodia’s Foreign minister accused Thai troops of first opening fire on Cambodian troops stationed at the disputed areas.
Two days Before the fighting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued an ultimatum demanding Thailand to withdraw its military from Veal Entri by noon on Tuesday, if not, the fighting would break out.
Preah Vihear temple was ruled by the International Court of Justice in 1962 belonging to Cambodia.
Waging war by using heavy weapons is not the solution to finding peace for the both neighboring countries. For my opinions, I think that the both countries should seek peaceful deal rather than war-making. The fights between the two countries lose human resources, budget and relationship tie. The actors were affected by gunfight as following:
- The countries’ troops had been killed and injured.
- International foreign tourists will be afraid of visiting Cambodia because of military fighting.
- International trade between two countries is in concerns both in the Cambodia and along the Cambodian and Thai borders.
- The people of the both countries who are living along the border are terrible with the fighting by abandoning their home.
- The both countries’ Joint Border Committees have to immediately solve border issue because Thailand claims the 1.8 square mile (4.6. sq.km) area around temple was never fully demarcated.
- A few bilateral talks have been made but failed; therefore the final solution will be able to need third party, especially The International Court of Justice or UN Secretary Council.
The fourth mandate of newly-formed government ruled by Cambodian People’s Party has to solve the border dispute as soon as possible, by not prolonging for years. Peaceful solution is the good way for both countries because the countries are the same member of ASEAN, and neighboring countries. How about your opinions?
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