Preah Vihear Talks suspended due to Political Tensions in Thailand.
September 12, 2008 – 1:47 pm
The ongoing border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand centering around Preah Vihear temple have been delayed due to the unsettled political climate in Thailand.
Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said by telephone that it was the least Cambodia could do to give Thailand breathing room to get its internal affairs in order. “The dispute over the border has been around 100 years,” Kanharith said. “A few more weeks can’t hurt.”
Cambodia closed the border at the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple on its northern border in June. On July 7 UNESCO declared the temple a World Heritage Site over Thai objections, and a week later, Thai troops moved into nearby areas that it said are disputed but that Cambodia said is its territory. Several rounds of talks have failed to resolve the deadlock with both sides vowing not to back down. Further talks are now on hold.
As far as access goes to the temple it is still uncertain about whether tourists are able to visit the temple. Some tourist have reported being allowed to visit the temple. In fact a good friend of mine braved the so called “upgraded road” (flattened but unpaved) only a week ago to visit the temple. “officially” however, the temple remains closed to visitors.
