I subscribe to the US Embassy information service; as things happen in Thailand I get email alerts. This one arrived in my inbox a few minutes ago. It is a very matter-of-fact description of events occurring on the Thai-Cambodian border. I haven’t been putting any info about this dispute on the website as it has escalated, so I thought this alert might be a reasonable way to bring you up to date quickly.
The issues involved in this dispute are fairly complex, and the feelings on both sides are running high. It’s a tense time that may get worse before it gets better.
Warden Message – Tensions on the Thai-Cambodian Border – July 18, 2008
American citizens resident and traveling in Thailand should be aware of
tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border in the area of the Khao Phra
Wihan temple, also called Preah Vihear. This temple is located on the
border region between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear
Province in Cambodia. A land dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over
a 4.6 kilometer area adjacent to the temple has led to the closing of
the temple to visitors and the arrest by the Cambodian military of three
Thais who crossed over into this area. We understand from media reports
that the temple is closed to visitors at this time and the road has been
blocked eight kilometers from the entrance on the Thai side. At least
one Thai soldier has been injured by a land mine and there have been
clashes between Thai demonstrators and the local population. We
recommend American citizens defer travel to this area until the
situation has been resolved.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’
web site <http://travel.staet.gov/> at http://travel.state.gov, where
the current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the current Worldwide
Caution can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and
Canada or callers in other areas may call a regular toll line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok can be reached at 02-205-4000; the fax
number is 02-205-4103. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai can be
reached at 053-252-629. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular
information and the most recent messages to the American community in
Thailand, is http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/.
July 18, 2008 at 11:48 pm |
I believe the decades-old troubles concerning Preah Vihear reheated after Cambodia’s application with UNESCO for it to become a World Heritage Site recently.
Geographically speaking, being a simple mind here, it should belong to Thailand; it is on top of a cliff being the natural border between Thailand and Cambodia for miles, except at this location; a cliff dropping 90 degrees to Cambodian soil, a sight, together with panoramic vistas over Cambodian lowlands, worth the visit alone. That, and Surin and Buriram, the hometowns of many lovelies in BKK’s p4p-scene, are near, should you need any further motivation …
July 19, 2008 at 5:02 am |
One of the more recent actions fanning this particular dispute is the PAD has been using this to stir up sentiment to oust Samak and the PPP from power.
Border disputes — and parties that use them for advantage — are ongoing in many parts of the world, especially Asia. There are many legitimate mechanisms to work through these issues, but alas, in places where “balls and guns” count more than brains, violence often wins out. Add a little Mekong whiskey and…
In any event, it looks like a cool place to visit once things settle down. I’ve wanted to do a cultural tour of Isaan for awhile now.
WW: Thanks for the news flash! (ps: check out my latest flickr pics)
July 19, 2008 at 8:03 am |
i question how many thais could find this temple on a map before all this publicity started. Well when i asked exactly this question in my office nobody could locate it.
July 19, 2008 at 9:06 am |
I went there with some Thai friends a couple of years ago. Normal truck packed with 20 or so. When we got there, the border guy said he wasn’t set up to let Americans in. I had my passport, but he had no stamps or authority.
After much argument, we agreed that I would promise to come back to Thailand, and not tell his boss, so I got to go to Cambodia unoficially.
So, once this gets all sorted, no guarantees they will let you in.
The ruins are pretty nice – a bit like Angkor Wat without the crowds.
It’s your basic temple ruins on top of a cliff with views for miles and miles. Bring the camera.
One other small thing when I was there. We were walking up the trail and someone strayed a few feet off the path. Guide type official guy proceeded to freak out. Much handwaving and pointing at the ‘warning land mines’ sign. Strayee protested ‘but I’m just a few feet off the path’… ‘Thats where the mines are!’
So… bring your camera, and don’t go off the path.