The two countries claims jurisdiction on territory which had been demarcated as being under Cambodian sovereignty by an international treaty between Siam and the then French Indochina in 1904 and 1907. This fact was recognized in a number of subsequent treaties and conventions in the 1920's, 1930's and after the second World War. It is only after the independence of Cambodia in 1953 that Thai troops occupied what has been Cambodian territory particularly in the area of the sacred site of Preah Vihear.
To resolve the situation Cambodia seized the International Court of Justice to arbitrate the conflict. In its judgment of June 1962, the Court ruled that the Temple and its surrounding areas were situated within Cambodian territory. It based its decision on the existence of a map it considered to be an integral part of the Treaty settlement between Indochina and Siam.
This map clearly shows that the Temple and a 4.6 square kilometers area adjacent to it are Cambodian territory. The Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot claim that Thai troops are on Thai territory. Cambodian troops reacted in self defense after more Thai troops deployed in areas near the Temple effectively blocking access to the Temple from Cambodian territory.
Cambodia has repeatedly strongly protested against serious armed provocations by Thailand. This Thursday, October 16, the Royal Government of Cambodia has officially lodged a complaint with the UN Secretary General.
In a communiqué issued on October 15, the Royal Government of Cambodia strongly objected to insinuation and accusations by Thai sources that Cambodia is laying new mines in the area. Such accusations are baseless and provocative and tantamount to conscious disinformation. The communiqué went on to explain that Cambodia is not laying new mines and that it has does not have any stock of mines. Cambodia is an earnest signatory of the land mine treaty and a dutiful implementer of its provisions. Cambodian authorities are too much aware of the sinister consequences for the people.
Thailand is using the pretext of demining contested areas to effectively occupy Cambodian territory. The two countries have repeatedly agreed that respective demining authorities would work jointly and cooperatively to demine areas to be demarcated as requested by the Joint Border Commission.
The Royal Government of Cambodia deplores the loss of life by both sides. It is committed to resolving the border issue peacefully and in a spirit of good neighborliness. However, in the face of blatant aggression by Thai troops in Cambodian territory, Cambodia can only defend itself with utmost restraint while seeking the intervention of a third party to help arbitrate the issue.
Cambodian officials understand that it is very difficult for the Thai side to negotiate in good faith at a time of high political unrest in Bangkok and after nationalist sentiments having been exacerbated ever since the Temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List by unanimous decision of the UNESCO.
It is deplorable that Thai officials use trickery. While pretending to negotiate and to work cooperatively they send more troops in more areas. Their use of international media to misinform, insinuate and accuse is not constructive and is not reflective of a true desire to reach a peaceful solution. Knowing it is clearly on the wrong side of the argument; Thailand is clearly using brute force and lies to achieve its end. Articles in the Bangkok press have become instruments of aggression against Cambodia.
For further information, please contact: Mr. Wilson Penn
at: wilsonncpenn@yahoo.com