Border Talks Stuck by Thai Internal Politics

Cambodian borders which were invaded by Thai army have been dragged on without hope of getting them resolved so far. This should have not become a hostage of a nation internal disputes.

• Official: Thai crisis adversely affects border talks with Cambodia - Xinhua November 28, 2008
• Thai political turmoil seen as stalling border row talks - Phnom Penh Post November 28, 2008

World leaders condemn Mumbai attacks

(CNN) -- World leaders have condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, in which more than 100 people died.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the attacks were intended to create a sense of panic.

more photos »

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh deplored the attacks, saying they were well coordinated and apparently launched by people from outside the country.

"The well-planned and very orchestrated attacks, probably with external linkages, were intended to create a sense of panic by choosing high-profile targets and indiscriminately killing innocent foreigners," Singh said in a televised address to the nation. "It is evident that the group which carried out these attacks, based outside the country, had come with single-minded determination to create havoc in the financial capital of the country."

Singh promised "the strongest possible measures" to stop a repeat of such acts. "We will take up strongly with our neighbors that the use of their territory for launching attacks on us will not be tolerated and that there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken by them."

He did not refer to a specific neighbor, but India has frequently blamed Pakistan for harboring militants. "We will take a number of measures to strengthen the hands of our police and intelligence authorities. We will curb the flow of funds to suspect organizations. We will restrict the entry of suspects into the country. We will go after these individuals and organizations and make sure that every perpetrator, organizer and supporter of terror, whatever his affiliation or religion may be, pays a heavy price for these cowardly and horrific acts against our people." Watch Singh say attackers came from 'outside' India »

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the attacks. In separate messages, President Zardari stressed the need for strict measures to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region. Gilani urged the need for concerted efforts to make the region a peaceful place to live. Watch Gilani condemn the attacks »

A statement on behalf of Pakistan Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: "Terrorism is a menace threatening humanity and humanity should join hands in fighting this scourge. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan itself has suffered because of terrorism and sacrificed much in fighting this threat. The foreign minister also expressed deep condolences with the bereaved families."

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: "The secretary-general condemns the rash of shootings and blasts in Mumbai today, which killed and wounded a large number of people. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly. "The secretary-general sends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded and expresses his solidarity with the people and government of India."

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's chief national security transition spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said: "President-elect Obama strongly condemns today's terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and his thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the people of India. These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks. We stand with the people of India, whose democracy will prove far more resilient than the hateful ideology that led to these attacks."

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help."

In a letter to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Mumbai, Pope Benedict XVI says he is "deeply concerned" about the attacks. The pope asks that the archbishop "kindly to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these brutal attacks, and to assure the public authorities, citizens and all those affected of his spiritual closeness. His Holiness urgently appeals for an end to all acts of terrorism, which gravely offend the human family and severely destabilize the peace and solidarity needed to build a civilization worthy of mankind's noble vocation to love God and neighbor. The Holy Father prays for the repose of the souls of the victims and implores God's gift of strength and comfort for those who are injured and in mourning." Watch Brown say he's 'shocked and outraged' »

In a statement NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the mindless and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Attacking innocent people, tourists and patients in hospitals is despicable and cowardly. On behalf of the Alliance, I am relaying the sincerest words of solidarity and sympathy to the Indian authorities, to Indian people and especially families of the victims. NATO, as part of the international community, is determined to spare no effort to fight the scourge of terrorism which should have no place in the 21st century."

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said: "The government and people of Afghanistan stand by India in the aftermath of this horrific and inhuman act of terror. Nothing is more heinous and deplorable than taking the lives of innocent people in such a cowardly attack on public places. ... Terrorism is a threat to us all, affecting India, Afghanistan and the region. Responding to this threat requires nothing less than a joint strategy to defeat this menace."

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in a statement on his behalf, said: "We are deeply concerned by these developments, deeply concerned by the potential impact on Indian citizens and other citizens, and we will have further to say about this during the course of the day."

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said: "The Japanese government disapproves of any act of terrorism, and we emphasize that there is no justification for any act of terrorism. We wish that the people of India will quickly be able to overcome such suffering. Japan and India will continue to work closely to fight against terrorism."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao sent a message of condolences Thursday to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He said the Chinese government "strongly condemned" the attacks and that China is "firmly opposed to terrorism of any form." The Xinhua news agency reported, "On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence."

In a statement European Union Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist attacks throughout the city of Mumbai. I convey my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and my sympathy to the Indian authorities. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery. These acts show once again the need for the international community to stand united against terrorism and fight it with determination."

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said: "My government and I hasten to condemn most vehemently the brutal acts of terrorism that killed more than 100 persons and injured many more in the attacks carried out in the Indian city of Mumbai last night. Our thoughts to go out to the families of those killed and injured and in these acts of terror; we express our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to those injured and the safe and early release of hostages. The attacks on leading hotels, hospitals and public transport in Mumbai, the business and financial capital of India, show that the terrorists are targeting an important sector of the Indian economy, with a view (to) destabilizing democracy in India.

"These unfortunate attacks bring into focus the urgent need for concerted action by all countries to eradicate the menace of terrorism, wherever it is, and whoever the leaders and manipulators of such violence may be. As a country that has suffered the most brutal terrorism for the past three decades, and is currently engaged in determined action to eradicate it from our midst, Sri Lanka stands with the government and people of India at this time of tragedy and remain firm in our commitment to jointly combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms from our countries, as well as from the South Asian region."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said: "The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation. The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing peaceful civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the very basis of civilized society. Those guilty of them should be severely punished. We support resolute actions of the Indian government to cut short terrorist actions. I would like to pass my deepest condolences to relatives and friends of those killed and wish the swiftest possible recovery to those injured."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent a letter to the Indian prime minister. The chancellor's office also telephoned the Indian prime minister to pass on the Merkel's sympathies and to offer Germany's help. She wrote: "I was appalled to hear the shocking news about the terror attacks on your country. As well as the sad fate of the many dead I'm particularly moved by the terrible situation of those who've been taken hostage. The Federal Republic strongly condemns these criminal acts. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the people of your country. In this difficult hour our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish the injured from the bottom of my heart a quick recovery."

In a written statement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said: "I strongly condemn the indiscriminate violence that hit your country through this series of ugly and odious terrorist acts. In this sad moment, I wish to give my sincerest condolences to the families of the innocent victims of these reprehensible attacks and express my sympathy and my wish to the injured for rapid recovery."

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said: "I condemn the terror attack that is still ongoing in Mumbai it is another painful testimony that terrorism is the main challenge that Israel and the International community are dealing with."

A spokesman for U.S. President George W. Bush said: "President Bush offers his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks in Mumbai, India. The United States condemns this terrorist attack and we will continue to stand with the people of India in this time of tragedy." Watch White House reaction to the attacks »

The Kuwaiti government "strongly condemned" the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said: "Canada strongly condemns the savage terrorist attacks in Mumbai, which have left hundreds of innocent civilians injured or killed. These cowardly attacks are truly appalling. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. ... Canada stands firmly united with the government of India in condemning these despicable acts of violence. Canada and India share a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Among our mutual priorities is close cooperation to promote international security and to fight terrorism."

In a statement, the South African government said: "The South African government extends its condolences to the government and people of India following a spate of attacks on a number of hotels, hospital and a restaurant in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 November, which left a number of people dead and wounded while others have been taken hostage."

The Singaporean government said: "Singapore strongly condemns the attacks. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, the government of India and its people. The Mumbai attacks underscore the common terrorist threat that we continue to face today. Singapore stands firmly behind the Indian government in its fight against terrorism."

Situation in the disputed borders near Preah Vihear on 26th November, 2008

Situation in the disputed borders near Preah Vihear on 26th November, 2008

Aerial view of the Preah Vihear temple complex. Down hill on the left side is Cambodia.

Radio Free Asia
By Sav Yuth
26th November, 2008
Translated from Khmer by Khmerization

The military situation in the Preah Vihear areas has been on high alert, despite calm, because of occasional accidental gun fires.

A Khmer military officer from Intervention Force of Division 12 said on 26th November that the situation until now remain calm but on high alert and a few days ago the Cambodian troops have warned the Thai troops when they were drunk and fired shots (into the air), but the Thai side explained that the gun fires were accidental.

The officer said: “Today, there is no change. The night before yesterday, 20 of us slept on the mountain. They got drunk and they fired shots, but they explained that the gun shots were accidental. We warned them. Both sides are on high alert but we still talk to each other.”

Members of parliament have urged the government to resolve the border disputes as soon as possible in order to save defence budget.

Mr Son Chhay said: “We cannot delay this dispute because we will lose in two fronts. First, the longer the dispute is delayed, the more rights the Thai have the claims to our territories. Secondly, we have to spend more time and money to defend the areas that can drain our military budget.”

Mr. Son Chhay said that he has requested the government to put the Khmer-Thai disputes on the agenda of the ASEAN Meeting in Chiangmai in December. And on Tuesday he has written to a letter requesting PM Hun Sen to explain to the parliament of the reasons why the government refused to lodge a complaint to the United Nations regarding Cambodian border disputes with Thailand.

Mr. Khieu Kanharith, spokesman for the government, said that the government has made great efforts to resolve the disputes and he has dismissed the ideas that urged the government to lodge a complaint to the United Nations.

Mr. Kanharith said: “If they want to help solving the disputes, just tell us how we can do it? We have made numerous complaints to them (the UN) and they just told us to be patient by trying to resolve the disputes bilaterally. If we ask them to come to lecture us, we already knew the answers. So why should we ask them? The persons who said like this (urge to lodge a complaint) does not understand foreign affairs and don’t know anything.”

Please note that the meeting held between Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers in Siem Reap on the 12th of November did not yield any substantial results because of the Thai insistence on the use of the word “Phra Viharn” to call the temple name and due to the Thai side refusing to commit to a troop withdrawal because they have to wait for an approval from the Thai parliament.//

Closures of Airports in Thailand

1. Please be advised that the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protestors have
managed to block access/exits to the airports in Bangkok.

2. The Airport Authorities have advised that Suvannabhumi and Don Muang Airports
are closed to all flights. The international air carriers have been advised by the Thai-Authorities
to postpone/cancel flights into Bangkok.

3 Kindly advise friends and work members intending to travel into Thailand, through Bangkok, to
postpone their travel until further notice.

See more news below.

Anupong's trump card for besieged Suvarnabhumi Airport

Cambodians Requests for Correct Historical Reflection from Thais

Editorial

Cambodians Requests for Correct Historical Reflection from Thais
Present day Thailand is the former part of Khmer Empire who ruled not only parts of current Thailand but also Southern today Vietnam and Laotian. Foreign historical researchers shown various evidence through the existing incriptions found in Say Fong, Southern Vietnam, Wat Phu in Laos, and Phimai temple in Thailand.

When Khmer Empire experienced its decline while a new emerging Sokhathai, Thailand state became gradually an Empire in the region. Siamese state came to existence in 13rd century right after Preah Vihear temple. Siamese began attacking Khmer Empire especially its Angkor capital and took everything there for granted.

According to historians, current Thai educational system showed nothing much on Camobdian side or related history between Thailand and Cambodia. What they aimed at educating their children is the hatred of Khmers. They accussed Khmers of taking their land, an historian said. This is an opposite direction on the history.

Khmer people should then officially request Thai government to change for amend the historical facts like China and Korea did the same way by asking Japanese to fix the false history. We together can submit such a strong claim in one voice. Doing this, we can mitigate the chance of misunderstanding between the twon nations. This will definitely fill in the gap and showing more similiarity of both cultures.

What simple way to do is to show the fact that current Cambodia or Khmer is the former Khmer Empire who shares common cultural aspects with Thailand.

Phnom Penh,
November 25, 2008.

Chea Sophal

Below is an extract from a historical book on the success of King Jayavarman and the Decline of Angkor. This is an interesting part to read. Sophal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Jayavarman VII and the Decline of Angkor

Much of what can be said about the career of Jayavarman VII is derived from an inscriptional eulogy by his queen, Indradevi. It claims that Jayavarman, as a prince, was conducting a military campaign in Champa when he learned about the upheavals which led to the death of his father and the accession of Yasovarman II. ‘He returned in haste to aid King Yasovarman, but Yasovarman had been stripped of throne and life by the usurper [Tribhuvanadityavarman], and Jayavarman remained in Cambodia waiting for the propitious moment to save the land heavy with crimes[1].’ 

These events ere in the mid-1160s. It was to be over a decade before Jayavarman found his opportunity to bid for power – the Cham invasion of 1177. Jayavarman VII made it his task to rid Cambodia of these foreigners, and was later able to represent himself as saviour of the nation through his victories over them in a series of battles. One naval engagement is vividly depicted in relief carving on the walls of two of his temples. By 1183 he was able to have consecrated his dominion over the Khmers as a whole. The fact that he had to take several years to fight his way to power even after disposing of the foreigners is a reflection of the persisting danger of political fragmentation, not suppressed even in the twelfth century.

Much is doubtful about Jayavarman’s origins and earlier career. It is possible that while in Champa he had gained close sympathy with the values of Mahayana Buddhism. As for his legitimacy as rule, he could evidently claim kin links through mother and father with Suryavarman II, with numerous princes were probably jus as good.

At all events, the imperial unity that the second Jayavarman had so proudly celebrated, ardently pursued by subsequent kings yet never irrevocable mastered, required a mighty effort if it was to be seized once more. Jayavarman VII was the man for the occasion. His reign was grander than any other. His inscriptions declared a loftier and more inspiring ambition. The sheer massiveness of his monument-building rivalled the total of all that had gone before, so that it took a long time for historians to recognize that the building of so many structures had been initiated or completed in a single reign. Throughout the lands of the Khmers, wherever the instruments of Angkor’s power had disappeared, perhaps believed gone for good, his armies came in triumph bearing the banners of empire.

The Chams, of course, had to be punished; between 1203 and 1220 Jayavarman VII was able to subject Champa to Khmer dominance, putting his own nominee upon the throne. An inscription from Say Fong, opposite Vientaine, attests the extension of Jayavarman’s administration to present-day Laos. A later Chinese record lists the dependencies of Angkor at the time, enumerating the suppliers of the emperor’s daily washing-water (an act of homage by vassals); the list includes what it calls the king of Java (possibly a Malay ruler), the king of Yananas (the Vietnamese), and the two kings of Champa. The borders of the Khmer empire were probably never very secure or precisely defined, depending largely upon the political calculations of local chieftains in choosing patrons, but Jayavarman’s empire appears to have been as great as Angkor had ever been.

This empire was held together by roads that were built on embankments above flood level, 5 or 6 metres high. They crossed rivers by ornamental bridges. One went north about 225 kilometres towards Phimai; one went west towards Sisophon, one east towards Champa, and another south-east to Kompong Thom, 150 kilometres.

---

[1] An extract from Ian Mabbett and David Chandler, The People of South-East Asia and the Pacific, The Khmers, 1995.

Cambodia Would Act in Self-Defence If Needed

Cambodia will not 'wage war' with Thailand over border: PM

2 hours ago

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday repeated his country would not "wage war" with neighbouring Thailand over a long-running border dispute that erupted into violence last month.

The premier urged patience from both sides as negotiators attempt to demarcate an agreed border between them.

"We don't want to wage war. We want only peace, but please don't trespass," Hun Sen said. "What we want is patience, no war," he said.

Hun Sen said a military stand-off on the border had eased since an October 15 shootout that claimed four lives.

But he warned Cambodia would act in "self defence if needed."

"Not only our side but also our opponents should not try to benefit from blood and human life," he added.

Thai and Cambodian officials agreed in principle in a meeting last week to reduce troops at the disputed border and to form a border task force. They plan to meet again in January.

They also agreed to start delimiting the border area around the 11th century Preah Vihear temple from mid-December, where troops have been facing off since July.

Shortly after similar talks between the foreign ministers failed last month, troops from the two countries clashed on October 15 on disputed land near the ancient Khmer temple, killing one Thai and three Cambodians.

The Cambodian-Thai border has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

The most recent tensions began in July when the Khmer temple was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling a long-running disagreement over ownership of the surrounding land.

Preah Vihear as Prah Viharn

Editorial

Prah Viharn?

Rasmei Kampuchea Daily Newspaper

November 14, 2008. No.4742

By: Chilean

Unofficial translation: CSP

Dr. Michel Trané, Specialist on Khmer Culture, said that Thais or Siamese people, who are in Chino anthropology, are the new comers in former Kampu (Khmer) country. Therefore, everything ranging from religion, language, Buddha statue development techniques, as well as Wats (monasteries), Siamese people who had just taken new role of Nokor Sokhoutey ownership when graining independence from Khmer were extremely influenced by Khmer culture.

Not only those mentioned in the above, Siamese people also took the political structure from Khmer authorities, which used to rule these areas. This is the historical truth otherwise it is contradictory to or opposite to the history. Mr. Michel Trané added that in this context, since 13^th century, Thai linguistics were most transformed from Khmer words significantly. There was an sharp increase in borrowing words or grammar from Khmer while Siamese Kingdom was emerging gradually into an Empire in the region.

Because Thai is a language with intonation (up and down) like Vietnamese or Yeaknam, and light without sound or voice, Thai people have to read Khmer words in Thai intonation. Thai pronounced in non-sound way for Khmer sounded consonants.

Examples

Khmer Vowels/ Consonant àSiamese	Khmer pronunciation	Thai/Siamese pronunciation
“ a‘ ” ea à “a ”a:	“Ea” like ear in English “evTna “, vetanea (miserable, difficult)	“a:” in Thai like arm in English “evTn+a “vetana
“B” Pà “b” B	“P”	“B” in Thai
‘r’ , R à ‘n’N	‘R” Ror ‘edIr’, Deur (walk); ‘dMeNIr’ Damneur (walk, noun) ‘ecar’, chaor (thief);	‘N’ Nor in Thai, ‘edIn’ “Deun, walk ‘dMeNIn’ “Damneun (walk, noun). ‘ecan’ “Chaon”, Thief
‘l’ , Là ‘n’N	“L” Lor like look in English eg. ‘fñl;’, Thnal, Road or Path ‘kusl’, kosal, merit or good deed	“N” eg. ‘fñn;’Thanan, Road, Path ‘kusn;’Kosan, merit, good deed
‘c’, Chà ‘t’Tor	“Chor”, eg. ‘Rtac’, Trach	“Tor” ‘Rtat’Trat
‘s’, Sà ‘t’Tor	“Sor” eg. ‘Gakas’, akas, Sky	“Tor” ‘Gakat’Akat, Sky
‘C’, Chà ‘q’Chh	“Chor” eg. ‘Cav’, cheav, buy or purchase	“Chhor” ‘qav’Chha:v, buy or purchase

Based on the linguistics which is the natural law in Thai transcription of sounds, the Khmer words “Preah Vihear, RBHvihar’” was pronounced “Prah Viharn, R)aHvihan” in Thai.

At this stage, Mr. Michel Trané would like to remind that the word “Preah” is not originated from Pali. It is solely a Khmer word which comes from the word “Rah, rH “

Therefore, it is normal that Thai people pronounced Khmer words in Thai intonation, i.e., there is no secrecy for the linguistician.

The underlining problem is that why Thai delegation still pronounced Khmer word in their intonation in the international meeting with Khmer on Cambodia-Thai border dispute?

Ancient Khmer study showed that Thai usually thought they are superior than Khmer or other nations and had strong conscience; they never tried to pronounce Khmer words like Khmer because they are afraid of being inferior. This is a wonder from Khmer with regards the above mentioned issue.

Finally, there is no reason for Khmer to change or read the words “Preah Vihear” whose belongs to Khmer the same as Thai at all. Every Khmer considers this intention as a blind and stupid act and it showed the ambition of Thai to take over ancient architecture from Khmer.

....END....

Preah Vihear related articles

• Temple talks - Bangkok Post November 9, 2008
• Vasin the key player in border talks - Bangkok Post November 9, 2008
• Cambodia marks 55th anniversary of independence - International Herald Tribune November 9, 2008
• 10 Questions (16) For: Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere - Tips from the T-List November 8, 2008
• Cambodia puts up signs at Preah Vihear temple - Radio Australia November 8, 2008
• UNESCO Begins Demarcating Preah Vihear Temple - Bernama November 7, 2008
• Next week's Thai-Cambodian talks to improve border situation - Thai News Agency MCOT November 6, 2008
• Rough seas or calm ahead? - The Malaysian Insider November 6, 2008
• Thailand will act in self - defence : Cambodia told - เดอะ เนชั่น November 5, 2008
• Thai PM to head to Vietnam for Mekong summit: gov't - Macau Daily Times November 5, 2008

Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonders

Ministry of Tourism has recently launched the tourist promotional video spot showing different features of Nokor Khmer rangning from World Heritage sites, Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear, Seaside, Mountainous areas to Cambodia daily life and activities.

I do believe this spot shown on Channel News Asia and CNN will definitely promote more tourists to Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonders.

Nowhere in the world has a river that reverses its water flow into the Great Lake (Tonle Sap Lake) and flows back to Sea of China through southern Vietnam.