One temple, Two countries tussle

June 21st, 2007
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noelbynature Posted in Angkor, Cambodia, Thailand, UNESCO World Heritage |

21 June 2007 (Bangkok Post) - The Angkor temple of Prasat Preah Vihear was mentioned recently when Cambodia submitted the site for consideration as a World Heritage Site. The temple, which stands close to the Thai-Cambodia border is in the news again - this time, Thailand wants to have a say in the proposals as well. Ownership of the temple was contested between the two nations until the International Court of Justice awarded Cambodia custody of the site. However, the entrance of the temple is on the Thai side of the border and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northeast Thailand.

Preah Vihear frays ties with Phnom Penh again

Thailand wants to have a say in a Cambodian proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) that the ancient Preah Vihear temple be listed as a World Heritage Site. Adul Wichiencharoen, chairman of the National Committee on the Convention for the Protection of World Culture and Natural Heritage, expressed concern over Cambodia’s lobbying of Unesco without Thailand’s participation.

Mr Adul said consideration should be given to the whole site, not just the part of it on Cambodian soil.

The entrance to Preah Vihear is in Thailand’s Si Sa Ket province, right on the border with Cambodia. The location was the cause of a long-standing dispute over the site’s ownership until 1962, when the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple belonged to Cambodia.

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Read about Thailand’s claim to Prasat Preah Vihear.

Related books about the Preah Vihear temple:
- The Treasures of Angkor: Cultural Travel Guide (Rizzoli Art Guide) by M. Albanese
- Angkor and the Khmer Civilization (Ancient Peoples and Places) by M. D. Coe
- Angkor: Cambodia’s Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition by D. Rooney and P. Danford