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The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Navigating tensions: Scholars call for peaceful resolution to Cambodia-Thailand border dispute
PHNOM PENH: The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has a long and complex history, but recent tensions were reignited by the tragic death of a Cambodian soldier on May 28. This incident has escalated a longstanding issue, drawing attention to the fragility of the relationship between the two nations. While the Preah Vihear Temple dispute once dominated the diplomatic landscape, the recent fatality has become a flashpoint, threatening to destabilise the region once again. At July 17 seminar, held at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, scholars, policymakers and experts gathered to discuss the future of Cambodia-Thailand relations and explore pathways toward peace and stability. The seminar, titled 'Cambodia-Thailand Relations: Towards Peace and a Stable Neighbourhood and Region', was jointly organised by the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies (CCRS) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Cambodia. Pou Sothirak, senior advisor at the CCRS and co-author of Preah Vihear: A Guide to the Thai-Cambodian Conflict and its Solutions, called for a return to the open and cooperative border policies that existed before the conflict. He stressed the importance of restoring trust and understanding between the two countries, with a focus on mutual respect, and urges both sides to avoid focusing on minor details or differences in resolving the conflict. 'Just re-open all border crossings and restore trust and understanding based on mutual respect. Refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and focus on ways to settle the dispute,' he said. 'Brush aside this fake news, this misinformation, this whatever you call… extreme statements from both sides,' he added. However, speaking is easier than doing. Sothirak warned that there are people who want Cambodia and Thailand to be split like this, to create misery, from both sides. He acknowledged that there are also external actors or individuals who benefit from seeing the two countries remain divided and in conflict. Sothirak suggested that some may seek to perpetuate tension between Cambodia and Thailand for their own agendas. Po Sovinda, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, highlighted the deep historical roots of the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. He stressed that understanding the past, particularly the colonial-era France-Siam Treaties of 1904 and 1907, is essential to grasping the current tensions between the two nations. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favour of Cambodia's sovereignty over the Preah Vihear Temple, but the surrounding area, approximately 4.6sq km, remained contested. 'Rising nationalism in both countries has exacerbated the situation, with historical claims being used to rally support domestically,' he explained. 'The location of current conflicts reflects the ongoing contention over territorial sovereignty, underscoring the complexity of resolving these disputes,' he continued. Sothirak reiterated that historical context is key to understanding the underlying causes of the conflict, which are further complicated by nationalism on both sides. 'The issue is not just territorial; it involves a lot of politics and emotions,' he added. He described it as 'deeply entangled with political factors, such as national sovereignty, governance and historical legacies, as well as emotional aspects, like nationalism, pride and the sensitive history between the two countries'. More than 100 scholars, policymakers and experts gathered to discuss the future of Cambodia-Thailand relations. Hong Raksmey Aun Chhengpor, policy researcher and programme manager at Future Forum, took the floor to discuss some of the recent developments surrounding the border dispute. The incident that triggered the latest round of tensions — a Cambodian soldier's death in a brief exchange of fire — was a stark reminder of the fragile nature of relations between the two countries. 'The death of a Cambodian soldier has done significant damage to the bilateral relationship, affecting trade and the livelihoods of people living along both borders,' Chhengpor remarked. He explained that the two countries have resorted to military build-ups along their shared border, creating a climate of suspicion and fear, which in turn has led to increased nationalism, with both sides prioritising their perceived sovereignty and national interests. Chhengpor also noted that Cambodia's growing confidence in handling the situation – partly due to its strengthened military and strategic partnerships, particularly with China – has made the current standoff different from previous incidents. Cambodia's decision to bring the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was also framed as a positive step, underlining the country's commitment to international law. However, he pointed out the challenges of international intervention, noting that Thailand has yet to accept the ICJ's jurisdiction. The situation remains delicate, with Chhengpor warning of the potential for prolonged tensions. 'The Thai government is facing a legitimacy crisis, and that complicates the decision-making process. The future of the dispute depends heavily on domestic political developments in Thailand,' he said. The 'Cambodia-Thailand Relations: Towards Peace and a Stable Neighbourhood and Region' seminar took place on July 17. Hong Raksmey Chhengpor also highlighted the crucial role of civil society, think tanks and the media in reducing tensions between the two countries. He called for a collective effort to minimise the inflammatory rhetoric and focus on de-escalating the situation. He pointed out that much of the negativity surrounding the conflict has been fuelled by misinformation and exaggerated narratives in the media. 'We need to stop the cycle of provoking one another,' he said. He also emphasised the responsibility of social media companies and big tech platforms in shaping public discourse. 'We must recognise that the media and social media play a significant role in escalating tensions. These platforms feed users content based on algorithms, which can lead to a more polarised public perception,' he explained. Both Chhengpor and Sothirak agreed that the immediate priority should be the removal of military forces from the border, which would allow for diplomatic solutions to take centre stage. 'The first step towards peace is ensuring that the military does not dominate the border, allowing space for diplomacy,' Sothirak said, urging both countries to engage in dialogue without the looming threat of military escalation. As the seminar concluded, it was clear that the path to lasting peace between Cambodia and Thailand remains fraught with challenges. The speakers stressed the importance of mutual respect, transparent communication and a commitment to international law. However, they also cautioned that any solution would require patience, political will and a willingness to put historical grievances aside for the sake of regional stability. 'The situation is fragile, but there are positive signs,' Chhengpor noted. 'Both sides are still committed to peaceful resolution, and the channels of communication remain open. We must seize these opportunities and work together to ensure that the current tensions do not escalate into something more dangerous,' he added. Sothirak reflected on the period before the May 28 conflict, when Cambodia and Thailand enjoyed good bilateral relations. He shared personal anecdotes, such as how easy it was for him to travel between the two countries, indicating that their relations were previously open and mutually respectful. 'Bangkok Airways flew five times a day to Phnom Penh, seven times to Siem Reap. What more do you want? The relationship was that good,' said Sothirak. With patience on both sides, it may soon be that good again. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
AsiaOne
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Is Phnom Penh Southeast Asia's most underrated capital? Here's why it is time to visit, Lifestyle News
Imagine this: you're at a rooftop bar, sipping an artisanal gin cocktail as soft jazz plays in the background. Below you, 37 floors down, the glittering lights of a city wink away. You've spent the afternoon wandering its streets dotted with art galleries, independent boutiques and whimsical cafes before joining the fashionable folks around you for a drink. It almost feels like Bangkok or Bali — except there are no overwhelming crowds of tourists or aggressive touts. Sva kum (welcome) to Phnom Penh. Phno way, you say? You'd be forgiven if the Cambodian capital has so far flown under your long-weekend radar. After all, it's most often remembered for its dark past and Communist history, with a long-drawn civil war that only came to an end in the 1990s. But things are changing. For the first time, the city has a young generation of citizens who haven't grown up surrounded by war, while expats are moving into the dynamic and increasingly tourist-friendly destination to start businesses. New hotels, edgy cocktail bars, indie boutiques and art galleries are popping up quicker than you can say "fresh start", transforming it into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-rising creative hubs. (For proof on how quickly things are changing, check out the LGBTQ+ scene, where a new annual Pride festival now draws thousands of people every year — more on that later.) All of which means that while Phnom Penh may be underrated for now, it won't stay that way for long. So go while you can — and while it's still much more affordable than nearby popular destinations. Here's where to eat, drink, stay and play in the Cambodian capital. Where to stay: Luxe towers, historic legends and riverfront retreats [embed] To experience Phnom Penh's glow-up in style, check into the Rosewood Phnom Penh. Sitting on the top floors of the city's tallest skyscraper, this gorgeous hotel has the best rooms in town and serves up sweeping Mekong views, an art-filled lobby, and some of the city's best cocktails. If old-school glamour is more your thing, head to Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the grand dame of Phnom Penh hotels. Opened in 1929, it's all black-and-white tiled corridors, leafy courtyards and history-soaked bars. For something with more of a boutique vibe, the stylish Hotel KVL in the heart of the tourist district offers minimalist luxury, with views that overlook the intersection of the great Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. Where to eat and drink: Modern Khmer food and creative cocktails Phnom Penh's food and drink scene is levelling up fast, with international restaurants mushrooming across the city. The best place to start your culinary adventure is Bai Sor, with its modern Cambodian dishes, like Kep crab with Kampot pepper and charcoal-grilled stuffed frogs, and a focus on fresh, local, seasonal produce. [embed] For a casual, cosy meal (not to mention yummy gelato), head to Koki Kitchen, where Southeast Asian flavours come together in dishes like the spicy tuna tartare and curry noodles. [embed] And don't sleep on Phnom Penh's bar scene, which is surprisingly extensive and sophisticated for a city that only recently entered the landscape. The understated speakeasy Kravat is where the cool kids (and stylish grown-ups) sip cocktails crafted with Cambodian ingredients. Meanwhile, laidback Pomelo, a Scandinavian-style cocktail bar hidden down a laneway, offers classic drinks with chilled-out vibes. Whether or not you're up for a drink, save time for Sora, the award-winning rooftop bar at the Rosewood. Here, the seasonal menu of fabulous cocktails is just half the draw — its open-air terrace also offers jaw-dropping unblocked views across the city. What to do: Sustainable shopping, art-hopping and creative festivals Phnom Penh is a playground for creative, planet-conscious souls right now. For shopping, skip the malls and head to the fair-trade fashion boutique A.N.D, where you'll find handwoven textiles and ethically made fashion pieces — some created, incredibly, from rags dredged from the Mekong River. Or visit Nary — which employs women from the community to produce its clothes — for breezy, sustainable resort wear. [embed] Over at Interwoven Atelier, there are light, easy-to-wear dresses and separates that are perfect for our region's tropical weather, while Paradise is the best place for beach-esque decor pieces. Nearby Shade, meanwhile, offers artisanal accessories and standout menswear by longtime Phnom Penh resident Ryan Drewe Taylor. [embed] The city's art scene is thriving, too. The Gallerist is one of the best places to view the increasingly admired work of Cambodia's contemporary artists. And if you're into theatre, The Last Stage by The Acting Art Academy is where Phnom Penh's next-gen playwrights and actors are telling new, exciting stories. Time your visit right and you can also catch Phnom Penh Designers Week, a city-wide celebration of Cambodian creativity, or Pride Fest Cambodia, the highlight of which is a concert and an Amazing Race-style tuk tuk race across the city. Now is the time to go There's a young energy to Phnom Penh at the moment that feels like the capital is on the cusp of becoming the next Bangkok. Yet traffic still trundles along the roads like it's in no hurry to become the next big thing, and the city's attractions are blissfully uncrowded. In a few years there will be many more major hotel chains (several are already under construction), and things will no doubt be different. But for now, this is Southeast Asia's most underrated, under-the-radar capital, and there's no better time to visit. [[nid:718282]] This article was first published in
