The Preah Vihear ruins were shut by Cambodian authorities fearful of Thai protests against the prospective border change at the site. Thai PM Samak was castigated by senators vehemently opposed to any cessation of soil to their neighbors, despite UNESCO’s backing of a plan to recognize the ancient temple as a World Heritage site. 200 Thai demonstrators completed a “Dharma Walk” to the frontier in hopes that more Thais will join in the protest. Cambodia will open the temple only once the protesters leave, but monks have join the gathering and the Thai army has gone to alert to prevent any trouble.
Samak says Thailand will lose no territory in accordance to a International Court of Justice’s ruling in 1962. I’ve been to the Thai-Cambodia border in several locations and each time the soldier on each side have agreed that the present border was shifted during the period of civil war in Cambodia.
Then again few Thais can read a map.
Americans even less.
Only 17% of US Citizens can find New York on a map and most of them are alien residents.
And at this temple site the person with the most to lose in the owner of the parking lot concession.
It’s really close to the ruins.
Maybe Preah Vihear should open a visa run service for farangs who want a little culture with a visa renewal.
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