Preah Vihear border spat

[Yappofloyd]

One of the obvious consequences of raising the nationalistic based rhectoric. I suspect that there may be some 'biffo' on the way given the disposition of some to create violence by exploiting illusionary nationlistic anxieties.

PREAH VIHEAR: Locals want vendors off temple steps - SANOH WORARAK Bkk Post 16/06/08 SI SA KET : Local people are demanding the eviction of Cambodian souvenir vendors from the stairway leading to the ancient ruins of Preah Vihear temple.

Sanong Huaychan, chief of Kantharalak district which borders the temple, said the Cambodian vendors' stalls are on both sides of the stairway leading up to the ruins. Although the temple is on Cambodian territory, the steps begin in Thailand. Local people will press the authorities to drive the vendors out, he said. The eviction issue was raised at a meeting in Si Sa Ket yesterday attended by local officials, historians and senior monks. The forum was entitled ''Preah Vihear becoming a World Heritage Site: What's in it for Si Sa Ket?''

The meeting was told that Thais built the souvenir kiosks, but they were taken over by Cambodians after Preah Vihear was given to Cambodia by a World Court ruling in 1962. Some of the forum participants insisted a local movement was needed to safeguard ''national treasures''. Speakers rebuked Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama for saying that some people were going overboard with their nationalistic bravado.

The minister said he did not want ill-intentioned people derailing ''this smooth-running train'', a reference to the ongoing Thai-Cambodian negotiations over the demarcation of Preah Vihear. In the map to be used for the listing of the ancient ruins as a World Heritage Site, the border line at Bandai Naga (Naga-lined stairways), the entrance to the Hindu temple in Si Sa Ket province, apparently encroaches upon Thai territory by about 10 metres.

Speakers at the forum heatedly discounted Mr Noppadon's statement that the Cambodian vendors have been selling souvenirs at their present site from the beginning. The National Security Council (NSC) will meet today to examine Cambodia's map of Preah Vihear, which Phnom Penh hopes to use for the World Heritage application. The NSC will decide if the map should be rejected.

[Wisarut]

Now, Professors form Thai Studies Institute, Thammasart U. have pointed out that PPP governemtn are willign to give away the disputed land aroudn Khao Phrawihardn as the exchange for Oil concession ... while Ai Nopphadol is lying the priblic to protect hsi boss's interests.

http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNew...=9510000071551

[Yappofloyd]

I'm ot sure why the PAD wants to get involved in this issue givne the more important issues they are campaigning on...seemingly a bit populist.

WORLD HERITAGE LISTING NSC accepts Preah Vihear map POST REPORTERS and dpa Bkk Post 17/06/08
The National Security Council (NSC) yesterday endorsed the new map of Preah Vihear temple, paving the way for a final decision from the cabinet today. The security agency agreed the disputed and undemarcated 4.6-square-kilometre area was not included on the map, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said. Experts from the Royal Thai Survey Department earlier went to the temple area to verify the map Cambodia is using to support its application that the ruins be registered as a World Heritage site.

Preah Vihear temple is in Cambodia, on the border adjoining Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket province. If the Thai cabinet finds the map acceptable, Cambodia will forward all the documents, including the map and the joint statement, to the 21-nation World Heritage Committee, which will meet in Quebec from July 2 to decide which of the new proposed sites should be included on the World Heritage List. Unesco says Thailand's backing is necessary if Preah Vihear is to be listed.

A government source said the NSC meeting was concerned the issue would be politicised, which could lead to conflict between the two countries ahead of the July 27 general election in Cambodia. Mr Noppadon had earlier demanded soldiers and other officials in charge of considering the new map to stop commenting on the sensitive issue. But academics remained sceptical about negotiations between the Thai and Cambodian governments.

Senator M.R. Priyanandana Rangsit suggested at a seminar on the issue that the Thai government should protest against Cambodia's attempt to register the Preah Vihear temple, or at least defer any decision on it, for fear that it would absorb the overlapping territory in the future. M.L. Walwipha Charoonroj, of the Thai Khadi Research Institute, suspects the rush and collaboration of politicians from both sides might have something to do with personal gain. Foreign affairs permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul said the Foreign Ministry has been assured by experts of various agencies that Thailand would not lose any territory to Cambodia under the new map.

Cabinet assent for map of Preah Vihear - Way now clear for World Heritage listing POST REPORTERS Bkk Post 18/06/08
The cabinet yesterday approved the new map of Prasart Preah Vihear, clearing the way for Cambodia to propose the temple to Unesco as a World Heritage site.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said the main point of concern to the cabinet was whether the map would affect the disputed area of 4.6 square kilometres on the border near the site. The minister said that land, which has not been demarcated, was excluded from the new map and Thailand did not lose any sovereignty. ''The Foreign Ministry should get flowers instead of bricks for handling the issue,'' he said.

Mr Noppadon, who has come under severe criticism for his handling of the issue, said the map will be made public within days. Earlier, the minister said the map would be made public only after Unesco approved the temple as a World Heritage site.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday rallied at the ministry and announced they would return today to demand Mr Noppadon clarify the Preah Vihear temple's borders, saying the public still held suspicions of conflicts of interests. Mr Noppadon denied any hidden agenda in dealing with the issue. Phnom Penh will propose Preah Vihear, called Khao Phra Viharn in Thai, to the meeting of Unesco's World Heritage Committee which begins in Quebec on July 2.

It needs backing from Thailand, which will be reflected in their joint statement. The disputed border area will be left for the two countries to settle, Mr Noppadon said. Navy chief Adm Sathirapan Keyanont said the new map, drawn by Cambodia, was acceptable as it reached only 20-30 metres from the Preah Vihear temple and did not encroach on the disputed area.

Cabinet approval came after the National Security Council endorsed the revised map on Monday. The army has called for the ministry to hold talks with Cambodia about clearing away shops and houses of Cambodians that have been in the disputed area for eight years, an army source said. ''The Foreign Ministry should tell Cambodia to remove all those structures before the World Heritage listing,'' said the source.

The Senate committee on foreign affairs is about to officially ask the ministry and Unesco to delay World Heritage consideration of the ancient temple. Senator M.R. Preeyanantana Rangsit said that under Article 190 of the constitution the government must seek approval from parliament before supporting any agreement that could affect Thai territory.

[Wisarut]

Originally Posted by Yappofloyd

I'm ot sure why the PAD wants to get involved in this issue givne the more important issues they are campaigning on...seemingly a bit populist.

WORLD HERITAGE LISTING NSC accepts Preah Vihear map POST REPORTERS and dpa Bkk Post 17/06/08
The National Security Council (NSC) yesterday endorsed the new map of Preah Vihear temple, paving the way for a final decision from the cabinet today. The security agency agreed the disputed and undemarcated 4.6-square-kilometre area was not included on the map, Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said. Experts from the Royal Thai Survey Department earlier went to the temple area to verify the map Cambodia is using to support its application that the ruins be registered as a World Heritage site.

Preah Vihear temple is in Cambodia, on the border adjoining Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket province. If the Thai cabinet finds the map acceptable, Cambodia will forward all the documents, including the map and the joint statement, to the 21-nation World Heritage Committee, which will meet in Quebec from July 2 to decide which of the new proposed sites should be included on the World Heritage List. Unesco says Thailand's backing is necessary if Preah Vihear is to be listed.

A government source said the NSC meeting was concerned the issue would be politicised, which could lead to conflict between the two countries ahead of the July 27 general election in Cambodia. Mr Noppadon had earlier demanded soldiers and other officials in charge of considering the new map to stop commenting on the sensitive issue. But academics remained sceptical about negotiations between the Thai and Cambodian governments.

Senator M.R. Priyanandana Rangsit suggested at a seminar on the issue that the Thai government should protest against Cambodia's attempt to register the Preah Vihear temple, or at least defer any decision on it, for fear that it would absorb the overlapping territory in the future. M.L. Walwipha Charoonroj, of the Thai Khadi Research Institute, suspects the rush and collaboration of politicians from both sides might have something to do with personal gain. Foreign affairs permanent secretary Virasakdi Futrakul said the Foreign Ministry has been assured by experts of various agencies that Thailand would not lose any territory to Cambodia under the new map.

Cabinet assent for map of Preah Vihear - Way now clear for World Heritage listing POST REPORTERS Bkk Post 18/06/08
The cabinet yesterday approved the new map of Prasart Preah Vihear, clearing the way for Cambodia to propose the temple to Unesco as a World Heritage site.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama said the main point of concern to the cabinet was whether the map would affect the disputed area of 4.6 square kilometres on the border near the site. The minister said that land, which has not been demarcated, was excluded from the new map and Thailand did not lose any sovereignty. ''The Foreign Ministry should get flowers instead of bricks for handling the issue,'' he said.

Mr Noppadon, who has come under severe criticism for his handling of the issue, said the map will be made public within days. Earlier, the minister said the map would be made public only after Unesco approved the temple as a World Heritage site.

Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday rallied at the ministry and announced they would return today to demand Mr Noppadon clarify the Preah Vihear temple's borders, saying the public still held suspicions of conflicts of interests. Mr Noppadon denied any hidden agenda in dealing with the issue. Phnom Penh will propose Preah Vihear, called Khao Phra Viharn in Thai, to the meeting of Unesco's World Heritage Committee which begins in Quebec on July 2.

It needs backing from Thailand, which will be reflected in their joint statement. The disputed border area will be left for the two countries to settle, Mr Noppadon said. Navy chief Adm Sathirapan Keyanont said the new map, drawn by Cambodia, was acceptable as it reached only 20-30 metres from the Preah Vihear temple and did not encroach on the disputed area.

Cabinet approval came after the National Security Council endorsed the revised map on Monday. The army has called for the ministry to hold talks with Cambodia about clearing away shops and houses of Cambodians that have been in the disputed area for eight years, an army source said. ''The Foreign Ministry should tell Cambodia to remove all those structures before the World Heritage listing,'' said the source.

The Senate committee on foreign affairs is about to officially ask the ministry and Unesco to delay World Heritage consideration of the ancient temple. Senator M.R. Preeyanantana Rangsit said that under Article 190 of the constitution the government must seek approval from parliament before supporting any agreement that could affect Thai territory.

The problem is NOT Khao Phrawiharn itself, the proble, is on the disputed area along Thai - cambodia broder esp at Khao Phrawiharn since Cambodian have illegally made a settlemment on the disputed areas alogn the borders ..
and the Encraochment also nearly grab Sri Phen road Aranyaprathet - Ta Phraya district of Sra kaew as well ...

This boundary dispute is just like pus that has not been under propered tratment ... but it is have been speed up to full blow rot ...

[GWR]

Map that Foreign Minister Noppadol Pattama used in his media briefing yesterday. Also Frontpage today:

http://www.2bangkok.com


[Photo: Komchadluek]


[Photo: The Nation - Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, above, shows the Preah Vihear Temple map Cambodia will submit to Unesco in its World Heritage application.]

Noppadon: No lost sovereignty on new temple map

(BangkokPost.com) - Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama held a press conference Wednesday, saying that the government's approval of the new map of Preah Vihear that allows Cambodia to propose the temple to Unesco as a World Heritage site does not include the disputed area near the site.

Mr Noppadon insisted that the 4.6 square kilometres of land, which has not been demarcated, was excluded from the new map and that Thailand did not lose any sovereignty.

The new map was drawn by Cambodia.

Cambodia needs backing from Thailand in order to propose the temple to the meeting of Unesco's World Heritage Committee which begins in Quebec on July 2.

He insisted that the government is not benefited from the approval, nor does ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. He, however, admitted that Mr Thaksin has a good relationship with Cambodian prime minister.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=128315

Not one square centimetre

BangkokPost.com, Agencies
Several thousand protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy gathered at the foreign ministry on Wednesday to accuse minister Noppadon Pattama and his old boss Thaksin Shinawatra with yielding land around the Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia.

An estimated 5,000 PAD protesters gathered in front of the ministry. They accused Mr Noppadon of trading the temple land for business concessions, and carried signs blaming Mr Thaksin.

The Preah Vihear temple, dating back to the 11th century, has been the subject of a boundary dispute since the 1950s. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the cliffside temple was within Cambodian territory.

Accusing the government of corruption and abuse of power, demonstrators have been holding sometimes violent protests since May 25 to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his coalition government.

The protesters say Mr Samak is merely acting as a proxy for Mr Thaksin.

The political discord heightened Wednesday after opposition Democrat Party lawmakers lodged a no-confidence motion against Mr Samak and seven other Cabinet members over alleged conflict of interest and mismanagement.

The Preah Vihear temple issue resurfaced as Cambodia was preparing to apply to Unesco for the temple to be listed as a World Heritage Site, a process that requires the inclusion of a map.

PAD core founder Sondhi Limthongkul alleged that Mr Noppadon gave up some territory near the temple in exchange for his "boss" - Mr Thaksin - getting concessions to develop a casino complex on Cambodia's Koh Kong island.

Mr Noppadon served as Mr Thaksin's lawyer and continues to have close ties with him.

Waving Thai flags, the protesters held up placards reading, "Thailand is not for sale", and "Bandit government sold Thai soil to Cambodia." Mr Noppadon denied the allegations.

"The minister of foreign affairs deserves flowers instead of brickbats," Mr Noppadon said, adding that "not a single square centimetre" of Thai soil was lost during recent negotiations with Cambodia.

He said Cambodia had drawn up two maps, one of the temple and the other of the adjacent area.

Mr Noppadon said the Cambodians will present only the temple map in their upcoming request to Unesco. The second map, which includes the disputed boundary, will not be an issue and thus Thailand has not yielded any territory, he said.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstorie....php?id=128314

Compare with maps in a post on April 26 from http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bang...6&postcount=26

Khmer Lands Lost to Thailand Near Preah Vihear Temple
Friday, April 25, 2008
Originally posted by Khmerization
On the web at http://khmerization.blogspot.com


1954 US Army Map
Click to zoom in:
http://bp0.blogger.com/_76xUgRgjZYM/...250,000+02.jpg


Google Aerial Map
Click to zoom in:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_76xUgRgjZYM/...e_map_2008.jpg
Dear Compatriots,
These are the maps showing the areas around the Preah Vihear Temple. I received these maps from Mr. Thhai Makarar. This is a personal view of Mr. Thhai Makarar, but Khmerization found his personal view to be very relevant and consistent with the established views that the areas around Preah Vihear site had been encroached significantly by Thailand.

The map on the bottom is a Google aerial map of Cambodia in 2008 showing the borderlines as drawn by the U.S Army in 1954 superposed on top of the borderlines indicated by Google in 2008 between Cambodia and Thailand. The 1954 U.S Map clearly shows that Cambodia's borderlines were deep inside Thailand but in 2008 the borderlines were pushed deep inside Cambodia. This means that Thailand had encroached significantly around the Preah Vihear site deep inside Cambodia's territories. The top map is the U.S Army map, drawn in 1954. Please read the maps and judge for yourself.

I wish to thank Thhai Makarar for these maps. Mr. Thhai, if you have anything you want me to publish in my blog please don't hesitate to send them to me. I will be happy to publish them all here.

See also this larger scale map. I believe FM Noppadol pattama also used this map in his spiel:



http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?id=36676

Here's also a Zoom of that map:
http://www.matichon.co.th/picture_ne...06-08-20-56-18

[Wisarut]

Now, the local people fop Sisaket felt OUTRAGED on Ai Nopphadol who are willign to please his boss by giving away the disputed land to Cambodia
... They are starting the protest as the response ... and the attempt to ask for reconcilation between PAD and PP is out of question since it has already reqch the point where the very existing of Thailand is at stake.

http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewN...=9510000071830

Look! How AI Nopphadfol givign away the land of Thailand to Cambodia!
http://www.manager.co.th/IndoChina/V...=9510000071917

Now Sonthi Limthongkul is askign Thai citizens of all ethnics to unite into ONE to bexoem Serithai to fight AGAISNT PPP who are sellign out coutnry to please theri bosses.

http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000071866

[GWR]

Originally Posted by GWR

Map that Foreign Minister Noppadol Pattama used in his media briefing yesterday. Also Frontpage today:
http://www.2bangkok.com

[Photo: Komchadluek]

[Photo: The Nation - Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, above, shows the Preah Vihear Temple map Cambodia will submit to Unesco in its World Heritage application.]
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_....php?id=128315
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstorie....php?id=128314
Compare with maps in a post on April 26 from http://ki-media.blogspot.com/
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bang...6&postcount=26
See also this larger scale map. I believe FM Noppadol Pattama also used this map in his spiel:
http://www.matichon.co.th/htmleditco.../Temble-01.jpg
http://www.matichon.co.th/news_detail.php?id=36676
Here's also a Zoom of that map:
http://www.matichon.co.th/picture_ne...06-08-20-56-18

Preah Vihear Map and border shown by Thailand FM


[Map: Thailand Foreign Ministry]
Zoom:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_8up7h6T0Kzc/...y+Thailand.jpg

Dear KI-Media reader,

If you are versed in Thai, please help translate the legend at the bottom right of the map, and post the translation as a comment. We would really appreciate it very much!

Thank you,

KI-Media Team

Non-specific link:
http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

Proof that FM Noppadol also used the larger-scale map at yesterday's media briefing:


[Photo: Thailand Foreign Ministry - Noppadon Pattama, Thai FM, showing the map of Preah Vihear.]

[GWR]

See last 6 posts over the last two days for numerous other map images

Annotated maps of Preah Vihear provided by Mr. Bora Touch, Esq.

(...), I wish to clarify a bit more on the Preah Vihear temple maps I posted earlier, esp. for those who do not read Thai (the handwriting on the two maps). There are 4 maps I re-attach here. The writings in blue are my additions to help explain different boundary lines and disputed area (in green) claimed by Thailand.:


[All Images: KI Media]
Map I marked "A" is a official Thai map of 1:10,000 scale;


Map I marked "B" is French-Siamese Commission map made in 1907 (scale 1:200,000) which has handwritings in Thai.
Zoom:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_8up7h6T0Kzc/...Disputed+B.jpg


Map marked "3" is my extract from the Aide Memoire of the Royal Government 1962 (scale 1:6,000);
Zoom:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_8up7h6T0Kzc/...hear+Map+3.jpg


Map marked "4" is the French-Siamese Commission 1907 (scale: 1:200,000), my extract from the International Court of Justice Report 1962.
Zoom:
http://bp1.blogger.com/_8up7h6T0Kzc/...p+1907+4A1.jpg

Map "A" and "B" are Thai internal working documents.

As you will see, the Thai understanding of where the boundary line lies is different totally from the one drawn by the French-Siamese Commission in 1907 and confirmed by the International Court of Justice in 1962. Clearly, the Thai claim in 1962 and now bases on no legal justification. The Thai and Khmer public must know this.

As far as the current Thai claim and Thailand's official Statement of 25 March 2008 are concerned, the statement made by H.E. Var Kim Hong of the Royal Government of Cambodia in 2005, that Thailand recognises the boundary line drawn by the French-Siamese Commission 1904, 1907, may have been too optimistic, if not misleading.

Regards,
Bora Touch

Non-specific link:
http://ki-media.blogspot.com/

[Wisarut]

Darma yatra by Local people of Sisaket to get the disputed area back ... Otherwise, Cambodian Goverenment will calm all the SOuthern Isan, Khorat and Eaastern Seapod - or even BKK as the Cambodian Land!
http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewN...=9510000072053

Now, We have learnt that Ai Nopphadol is a bastard of Sisaket who are willign to teade the land of his own ascestor to please his boss.
http://www.manager.co.th/Local/ViewN...=9510000071830

Kasit - Pongphol suspect the plan for speed endorsement of disputed land to Cambodia
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000071890

Somkiat Phongphaiboon said Nopphadol is tradign Thai Sovereign to please his boss ... and now those Internet Merecenaries are attackign those Pateriotic Thai netters ... with approval from thsoe intellectuals left wings as well as PPP men ... at Ratchadoamnoen room of Patip dot com
http://www.oknation.net/blog/akom/2008/06/18/entry-1
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000071891

Prtacha Koonmmee Condemning Ai Nopphadol

http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000072007

Momluang Wanwipha pointe out that Thai governemtn are willgi nto trade the land and sea for oil concession of his boss and PTT shareholders
http://www.thaipost.net/index.asp?bk...077&cat_id=501
http://www.oknation.net/blog/rivermo.../06/18/entry-3
http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNew...=9510000071721

Moh Choochai pointout out that the land trading is Violating Thai Constitution which requires the publci hearings and explanation before askign votes from both Houses
http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNew...=9510000071740

Big Pok is tryiugn to make a compromise on the land dispute despite of grrownign publci Outrage
http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/2008/0...ews_268469.php
http://special.bangkokbiznews.com/de...username=thot1
http://www.oknation.net/blog/talkwit.../06/18/entry-1

AI Nopphadol Sigining the deal on World Heritage of Khao Phrawiharn withotu consent from National Assembly
http://www.matichon.co.th/matichon/m...sectionid=0101

Ai Nopphadol attacking intellectuals at Thai Studies Institutte as "Jack Axx"
http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/9074/12/

[Wisarut]

Now, even the taxi drivers who used to be alliance of PPP and UDD said

We used to Admired Ai Maew through the money paid by Ai Newin ... However ... after we have seen Ai Nopphadonl (AKA Mr unstable eyeballs) givign away the land to Cambodia for Oil Concession, we would no longer accept Ai maew's Money .... How shameful we are if we still get paid by the one who are willign to sell out Thailand to Foreigners for theri own selfish interests! We have to correct this NOW!

If necessary, Chopping the head of PPP men alogn with Ai maew and Cronies and Ai Samak , Ai Chaloem and pouring the blood from severed heads to wash Hais majesty's feet! After that, put thte severd bodies into rafts and floating them away from the land of Siam because their bodies are unworthy to get cremated on our Motherland!

Now, AI Maew and PPP men are hiring and arming thsoe rescue volunteers to work as thugs to destory PAD. ... 1000 ABht/head.

Furthemore, many people said Army better wear Female clothes sicne they Refuse to Protect the Interest of Thaipeople by allowing Ai maew and Co to Sellout the disputed area to Foreigners
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewN...=9510000072213
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000072150

Now, professors and graduate students of NIDA are protesting against the governemnt plan to give away the land to Cambodia
http://www.manager.co.th/QOL/ViewNew...=9510000072249

Now, AI Nopphadol is beocme a layer for Cambodian government desptie of the fact that he is Thai minister -> a sure sign of Traitor.
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/Vi...=9510000072132

[GWR]

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Thailand heads for another political showdown

Jun 19, 2008
DPA

Bangkok - On Friday the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will march on Government House to force the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his cabinet, who have been running the country for less than six months.

There promises to be thousands of peaceful protestors, long speeches, tents set up opposite Government House to protect people from the monsoon rains, food deliveries from unknown backers and, no doubt, a long wait before anything happens. The scene is all too familiar for Bangkokians.

The PAD, a loose coalition of disparate groups united only in their hatred for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, staged almost daily protests in the capital for much of 2006 until the tanks rolled on to the streets on September 19, ending the political impasse.

Twenty-one months after Thaksin's political downfall and six months after a general election brought the pro-Thaksin People Power Party (PPP) to power, coup rumours are rife again.

'I think the PAD's backing goes very high up and involves military elements, because otherwise they would not be so rabid,' opined Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Thailand's prestigious Chulalongkorn University.

Although the military ousted Thaksin, they could not prevent the proxy PPP from winning the December 23, 2007, general election, and putting in place a 'nominee' cabinet of Thaksin allies.

The PAD returned to the streets on May 25 shortly after the current government began to push for constitutional amendments that are likely to lead to the dismissal of about 16 corruption cases against Thaksin, a billionaire telecommunications tycoon who was prime minister between 2001 to 2006.

The military justified their September coup with charges that Thaksin has been involved in mass corruption, undermined the monarchy and divided the nation.

So far, only the last charge has stuck.

Thaksin, who was banned from entering politics for five years by a constitutional tribunal ruling a year ago, continues to be at the heart of Thailand's political divide.

Although he holds no political post, the hand of Thaksin is seen in whatever the current 'nominee' cabinet does.

For instance, the government's decision this week to support Cambodia in its bid to nominate Preah Vihear, a centuries old Hindu temple on the Thai-Cambodia border as a World Heritage Site, has been seen as part of a sinister business deal, typical of the Thaksin era.

It doesn't help matters that Thai Foreign Minister Noppodon Patama is Thaksin's former lawyer and one day after he disclosed the country's support for Cambodia's Preah Vihear bid, Thaksin announced plans to build a casino-hotel complex on Koh Kong, an island off Cambodia's western coast bordering Thailand.

Pheah Vihear is a sensitive issue for most Thais. The magnificent Hindu temple was the source of a border dispute in the 1950s that ended up in the Hague's International Court. The court decided the temple belonged to Cambodia.

Thailand opposed Cambodia's proposal to list Preah Vihear temple at UNESCO last year on the grounds that the Cambodian site map included still disputed territory.

Cambodia submitted a new map last month, which Noppodon approved this week, paving the way for the temple's lisitng at a UNESCO meeting on July 2, and providing a publicity boost for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's party in a general election scheduled on July 27.

'It looks like Thailand decided to help Mr Hun Sen in the elections,' said Kraisak Choonhavan, a member of the Democrat opposition party.

'The government's way of handling this has created the suspicion that personal gains are more important than national gains,' added Kraisak.

That was one of the main complaints against Thaksin's two-term premiership, which increasingly looked like a runaway private gravy train.

Pent up outrage against Thaksin's self-serving government style finally exploded in January 23, 2006, when his family sold their 49 per cent equity in the Thaksin-founded Shin Corp conglomerate to Singapore's Temasek Holding for a tax-free 2 billion dollars.

That gave the PAD the ammunition they needed to mount a a popular anti-Thaksin campaign that finally led to the 2006 coup. Now the PAD is back on the streets for similar reasons.

'I think the Thaksin overhang has been constant,' said Thitinan. 'This government is not to be trusted, and Thaksin exacerbates that.'

Increasingly, with or without a coup, observers are saying that the only long-term solution for the political divide caused by Thaksin is to get Thaksin out of politics for good.

'The only solution is if a court case can quickly come out with a sentence that Thaksin is guilty, then politically he would be out,' said Kraisak.

Unfortunately, Thailand's judicial system is notoriously slow and certain elements may not be able to wait for the courts.

http://ki-media.blogspot.com/2008/06...d-to-help.html

[Yappofloyd]

PREAH VIHEAR - Unesco will be asked to delay listing of old temple POST REPORTERS Bkk Post 20/06/08

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs will petition Unesco's World Heritage Committee to postpone the registration of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site. Committee chairman Pikulkaew Kririksh said the panel believed the Foreign Ministry has breached the constitution, which requires the House's approval for any agreement which affects the country's territory. The ministry lacked transparency in dealing with the issue, she said.

In the interests of national security and preserving bilateral relations, the committee suggested the registration of all parts of the ancient ruins _ the temple complex, ancient structures and the natural surroundings. In so doing, Thailand should register its part of the temple compound with Unesco. The dual registration would guarantee Thai leverage in negotiating the overlapping maritime area claimed by both sides, she said.

Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama denied claims that Thailand, by supporting Cambodia's nomination of the temple, had ignored the 1962 verdict of the International Court of Justice, which gave only Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia and not the border area next to it. Thailand only supported the registration of Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site, he said. The kingdom had never accepted the borderline fixed by Cambodia in 1962.

The temple was not a subject in negotiations on the border demarcation between the two countries, Mr Noppadon said. Thailand had protested to Cambodia about the construction of houses in disputed areas near the temple, he added. Mr Noppadon said the adjacent area of 4.6 square kilometres was in an overlapping zone where the ownership between Thailand and Cambodia had yet to be determined.

Cambodia has cited the 1904 France-Siam agreement to claim ownership of the area, while Thailand bases its border on the watershed line. The joint statement agreed between Thailand and Cambodia on the nomination of the temple was not regarded as a bilateral agreement and did not need parliamentary approval, he said. The Foreign Ministry and its Treaties and Legal Affairs Department could answer all allegations, he said.

The military confirmed that Thailand had not lost any territory in its move to support the nomination of the temple. The eviction of Cambodian people from the disputed areas will be carried out under a joint management plan in the next two years. Mr Noppadon said he would open a website, www.thaitruth.info, to reveal the truth and fiction behind the Preah Vihear controversy.

In Si Sa Ket province where the temple partially sits, residents began a ''Dharma walk'' yesterday in a campaign to safeguard the Thai part of the ruins, and to push for the eviction of Cambodian people encroaching on the Thai-owned temple stairways. The 100km walk will end in a rally on Sunday.

[Yappofloyd]

It is difficult to support the view that the public has not been informed about the ongoiing UNESCO bid and related demarkation issues. Perhaps however allegations that the public is not being informed about other related deals may be true but when are they generally?

Preah Vihear White Paper to be issued, Foreign Ministry moves to silence critics of deal - POST REPORTERS 21/06/08

The Foreign Ministry will issue a White Paper to explain its handling of the Preah Vihear temple issue with Cambodia. Virasakdi Futrakul, the permanent secretary for foreign affairs, said the White Paper, which will be in Thai and English, is expected to be issued early next month. It will be distributed to the public once available. He said the ministry had never changed the negotiating team, which was made up of legal experts in its dealings with Cambodia.

The team leader, Virachai Plasai, was removed as Treaties and Legal Affairs Department chief after Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama assumed office after the general election. ''The negotiating team is still the same team. The deputy negotiator during the Unesco-brokered meeting in France [last month] was Thai ambassador Thana Duangrattana, who was the former chief of Treaties and Legal Affairs. He knows the Preah Vihear temple issues well and the borderline,'' said Mr Virasakdi.

He said the Foreign Ministry was not the only agency involved in the talks with Cambodia. Other security agencies including the Royal Thai Army, the National Security Council (NSC) and the Royal Thai Survey Department also took part in the process. ''We worked like an iron fist in satin gloves. Part of the success must be credited to the military too because it worked in coordination with its Cambodian counterpart,'' said the permanent secretary. He said the government had done its best to protect Thai sovereignty under the framework of existing international laws.

For the 4.6-square-kilometre overlapping zone next to the temple, Mr Virasakdi said it would be demarcated in the future as it has been included in the working plan. ''Cambodia's registration of Preah Vihear as a World Heritage Site will not affect the borderline under the 1962 cabinet resolution and the overlapping areas will be the responsibility of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission to discuss further,'' he said.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday it will ask the World Heritage Committee to postpone its consideration of the Cambodian request. Mr Virasakdi said the World Heritage Committee only listened to government representatives and the Senate committee might be wasting its time.

Preeyanantana Rangsit, a senate member, took Mr Noppodon to task in parliament for allegedly trying to rush through the temple deal with Cambodia. In a query raised during an upper house meeting, M.R. Preeyanantana asked why the minister endorsed the Cambodian proposal in a rush and the ministry did not bargain with Phnom Penh to make Thailand a co-host of the proposal.

The senator said the Foreign Ministry had failed to keep the public informed about Preah Vihear as required under Article 109 of the constitution. Article 109 requires the government to inform the public about any international agreement it is planning with another country as well as seeking approval from the parliament.

[GWR]

47 Pages .pdf with numerous photos & maps:

http://www.mediafire.com/?tmfmmybmocx

[Yappofloyd]

A WIN-WIN TEMPLE DEAL - THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL Bkk Post 22/06/08

The governments of Thailand and Cambodia have ended their negotiations over the controversial Preah Vihear temple with a win-win result. But the way Thai agencies bungled the issue by trying to promote a better understanding of the deal with the public should be another lesson to learn. Not enough effort went into the public relations campaign. And what made the issue worse was that it became linked to politics. Coincidentally, negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia over the 11th-century temple ended as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) began its latest campaign to oust the government.

The sensitive issue of the temple was also singled out by the anti-government demonstrators and used to attack the government by convincing people who have not closely followed the issue to come forward and join the rally. If anyone has the opportunity to carefully compare the allegations and facts from all sides _ from Foreign Ministry officials to academics and PAD _ they would not be easily misguided.

Although Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama has claimed the agreement as his personal success, he alone was not responsible for these international negotiations. The staff from the ministry, especially from the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department, worked hard for years to protect Thai sovereignty. Nobody realises how many of the staff at this agency have become sick from stress caused by intense border negotiations with Thailand's neighbours.

They are the real heroes who have worked hard to protect Thai soil so not one single inch is lost to other countries. These are the staff who paved the way for negotiations with Cambodia, which still uses the old map which includes 4.6 square kilometres of overlapping land with Thailand.

The map was drawn in 1904 by France and Cambodia has adhered to it since then, while Thailand has stood firmly by the use of watershed lines to indicate the border, which is consistent with international law. Bangkok and Phnom Penh engaged in a hot debate in the early 1960s over the issue which resulted in the International Court of Justice's verdict to give the temple as well as the land under the temple to Cambodia.

It was Cambodia which wanted to wrap up these negotiations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to use this issue in his campaign for the upcoming general election on July 27. He wants the temple listed by the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as a World Heritage Site. That is why the Cambodian government agreed to draw a new map, which leaves the disputed area to be further negotiated by the two countries in the future.

This made the Thai negotiating team happy and, in return, it supported Cambodia's bid in the Unesco registration process. Thailand is also satisfied that the demarcation in the new map conforms to a Thai cabinet resolution in 1962, which asks that the watershed lines be the borderline.

If the World Heritage Committee under Unesco agrees to register the temple, shops and structures built by Cambodians in the disputed area must be cleared for a joint management zone with Thailand. Then the burden will be on the Cambodian government to get its people out of the area. This can be called a win-win situation for Thailand rather than a loss to the country, as some have tried to label the agreement.