Preah Vihear – a matter of shared responsibility

In this photo taken on July 6, 2011, a Cambodian police officer stands near the 11th century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear.

2/08/2011
Vitit Muntarbhorn
Bangkok Post

Any discussion of the recent decision of the International Court of Justice on the request for provisional measures concerning a dispute surrounding an ancient temple, which has been a bone of contention between Thailand and Cambodia for ages, is likely to raise emotions and passions in this region.

While some will debate on the question of “who won”, “who lost”, the preferred way ahead is to aim for greater rationalisation and see the issue as a matter of shared responsibility for all.

The dispute dates back to the World Court’s decision in 1962, with the presence of 12 judges voting as follows:

“The Court, by nine votes to three, finds that the Temple of Preah Vihear is situated in territory under the sovereignty of Cambodia;

“Finds in consequence, by nine votes to three, that Thailand is under an obligation to withdraw any military or police forces, or other guards or keepers, stationed by her at the Temple, or in its vicinity on Cambodian territory;

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