Anticipation is growing among Thais for the reopening of the Preah Vihear temple ruins in Si Sa Ket after a 15-year suspension to spice up tourism and promote peace dialogue with Cambodia. The temple has been inaccessible from Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district since 2008 due to border disputes between the 2 international locations.
Ensured 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 called for the withdrawal of armed forces from the temple ruins on the Cambodian facet however allowed border patrol forces on the outer frontiers. Despite the ICJ decision urging joint growth of the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, no progress has been made because the 2011 ceasefire.
The Preah Vihear temple, as quickly as a preferred tourist 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 authorities stating that only Prime Minister Hun Sen can make such choices.
Both Thai and Cambodian troopers continue to be deployed within the area surrounding the temple under the “5+5 Policy,” which requires five officers from each country to be stationed on the frontier’s coordination level. This policy aims to prevent misunderstandings and promote communication between the 2 sides.
Despite the navy presence, Thai and Cambodian soldiers in the space have been engaging in recreational actions collectively, such as playing volleyball, rattan ball, and petanque. Officers from both sides additionally socialise over dinner, and their supervisors preserve contact, reported Bangkok Post.
Cambodian navy leaders have advised that the scenario may proceed so lengthy as the territorial dispute remains unresolved. Thai and Cambodian locals have encroached on the disputed area multiple times, with officers attempting to negotiate and take away them from the area.
A potential resolution to ease the border battle involves allowing vacationers to access the Preah Vihear temple from Si Sa Ket and allowing Cambodian tourists to enter Pha Mor E-Daeng in Khao Phra Viharn National Park. The source added…
“If Cambodia permits entry to the temple from Thailand’s side, it would benefit tourists and entice extra people to go to. [Thailand and Cambodia] ought to join palms to advertise tourism.”