18/12/2010
Bangkok Post
The steady improvement in relations between Thailand and Cambodia lends weight to the saying that two steps forward and one step back are better than no movement at all.
It seems Cambodians and Thais are realising the two kingdoms can co-exist peacefully.
A free pop concert at the Hua Mak stadium last month drew huge crowds of migrant workers, including Burmese. The performance helped transcend ethnic and political divides.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen praised the success of the Bangkok concert, suggesting that it was a sign that Thai-Cambodian relations were growing warmer.
The Cambodian strongman suggested that in light of the change, bilateral border issues should be returned to their status prior to July 15, 2008.
He was referring to the date when Phnom Penh captured three Thai para-military rangers while on a border patrol mission.
The incident intensified cross-border flare-ups near the Preah Vihear temple, which is still the subject of dispute.
Hun Sen hopes the old border markers in disputed areas can be replaced.
The People's Alliance for Democracy has postponed until Jan 25 a rally it called to oppose any perceived ceding of Thai territory to the Cambodians.
This has helped ease the worries of political pundits who fear the alliance could spark a new round of bilateral conflict.
The PAD is opposed to Cambodia's unilateral listing of the Preah Vihear temple as a world heritage site.
The PAD is also opposed to the possible parliamentary endorsement of minutes from meetings of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Committee. The alliance claims this might undermine Thailand's territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, a concert in Phnom Penh is being staged tomorrow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will head the Thai delegation in the Cambodian capital in toasting the two countries' relations.
A dozen Thai journalists have been invited to visit Phnom Penh for the celebrations next week, reciprocating a tour by the Cambodian information minister in October.
Visa-free travel for up to 15 days between the two countries, approved this week, will pave the way for a freer flow of people and trade and tourism.
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