Jaunted

Preah Vihear is an ancient Hindu temple that was recently inscribed on the list of World Heritage Sites--though UNESCO listed it as in Cambodia. That decision was based on lines drawn up by colonial French rulers in 1907. Cambodia has officially controlled the temple since 1962, when the International Court of Justice ruled on the matter. Interestingly, Preah Vihear is nearly impossible to reach from within the country; access from Thailand is easy, via a paved road.

The latest wrangling, say experts on the region, has more to do with Thailand's current political situation than actual interest in the temple. Nationalism is on the rise in Southeast Asia, and Cambodia is holding national elections on Sunday. Meanwhile opponents of the Thai prime minister say he's willingly giving up national sovereignty by not fighting for control of Preah Vihear.

Beyond the political points at stake, tourism dollars are also looming large. Angkor Wat is one of the biggest draws in Cambodia if not the entire region, and with UNESCO blessing Preah Vihear with World Heritage status, the sound of cash registers must be ringing through the Khmer hills.

For now, soldiers from both sides are hanging out on the temple grounds, sometimes even chatting with each other. (Talks earlier this week resulted in an agreement that neither side would shoot first.) The foreign ministers of both countries will meet up in Siem Reap on Monday for further talks; they hope to resolve the issue without UN involvement.

Related Stories:
· Why the Thai-Cambodian Temple Dispute Lingers [CSM]
· Thai-Cambodian Temple Standoff Continues [NYT]
· Cambodia Asks UN for Help in Dispute [NYT]
· Thai, Cambodian Envoys Set Temple Talks [CNN]
· Temples coverage [Jaunted]

Tags: Temples / Southeast Asia Travel / Google Maps / World Heritage Sites / Culture / UNESCO

by pbb