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Monday, 3 February, 2003, 09:14 GMT
Can the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia be resolved?
Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia
Thailand has evacuated more than 500 of its nationals from Cambodia and downgraded diplomatic relations following riots triggered by a row over a famous temple.

The anti-Thai riots, which left one Cambodian man dead and seven people injured, were caused by comments attributed to a Thai TV star, Suvanant Kongying, who suggested Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat temple complex belonged to Thailand.

However, the actress denied the comments and said they were spoken by a character she played in a TV drama two years ago.

The Thai government's action came after Cambodian protesters attacked the Thai embassy and Thai-owned businesses in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

On Thursday, angry Thais took to the streets of Bangkok to protest and burn Cambodian flags, prompting Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej to call for calm.

Analysts said it was unclear what really prompted the rioting, though Cambodian politicians may have been hoping to stir up nationalist sentiment ahead of July elections.

What do you think of the dispute, and how should it be resolved? Tell us what you think.


This Talking Point has now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

I am Cambodian I really love my Country, especially my ancient temple Angkor Wat that is the symbol of my Nation. I am so sorry about everything that happened at the Thai Embassy in Cambodia a few days ago. I am so angry too that Thai actress said what she did but this problem could be resolved in another way and not by violence like this. We could sit round a table to resolve this problem.
Rocky, Cambodia

No one in Thailand cares about taking Angkor Wat from Cambodia. We admire it. We aspire to visit it and feel proud for the Cambodian people who own it. So, please stop talking nonsense about our actress' comments. She has repeatedly denied the accusations. The story told by some Cambodian papers and TV/radio programs were groundless. I would like to ask the Cambodian people to be more careful with their media and not to believe anything too easily, especially when the news can incite hatred and serious misunderstanding either among the Cambodian people or nations.
Krasin, Thailand

The real damage here is the damaged feeling of trust between the two countries

V, Thailand
The actress mentioned in the news never actually gave such a comment about Cambodia at all. The news was only the rumour and the Cambodian press didn't check it before the broadcast. The other thing is Thai people fully acknowledge that Angkor Wat belongs to Cambodia and since I was born I never heard of anyone saying that Angkor Wat belonged to Thailand. Really can't imagine such a terrible thing would happen between two countries. Political and economic relations might be restored soon but I think the real damage here is the damaged feeling of trust between the two countries.
V, Thailand

Angkor Wat clearly belongs to Cambodia and is a symbol of the country. Even so, a small, powerful group of people tried to manipulate the controversy over Angkor Wat and created the tragedy on the innocent people especially the poor Cambodian people. However this cannot undermine the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Thailand and Cambodia, because the two countries are under the pact and tie of ASEAN and especially have great mutual benefits in term of economics and cultures under bilateral agreement as well as a regional treaty.
Kim Mom Heng, Cambodia

The fact that this conflict has been sparked by something so trivial is the worrying thing. The 21st century is fast becoming the age when people take to the streets with the most tenuous reasons for hatred and anger - the recent riots in Nigeria being another example. I hope Cambodia resolves this situation peacefully and diplomatically whilst making sure the people responsible for such backward barbarity are brought to justice. Then the vast majority of peace-loving people on either side can enjoy normal relations as soon as possible.
Neil Stoneham, Thailand

This painful memory will not be easily forgotten

Jay, Thailand
Everybody in Thailand is absolutely angered by this riot - burning the embassy and national flag were unacceptable, but destroying a picture of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, our most beloved, respectful king is totally unbearable! If you have been in Thailand, you will know how much Thai people sensitive about their king.
From my perspective, Thai people, as everyone on this planet, know well that Angkor Wat is a symbol of Cambodia. Especially in my generation, students, no one is concerned that Angkor Wat is Thai whenever in the past or now. There is no reason to claim it back. Surely, it would take a very long time that our feeling to Cambodian people will return to normal, although our embassy will be repaired, but this painful memory will not be easily forgotten.
Jay, 16 years, Thailand

Having backpacked through the region, supported charities, and watched with interest Cambodia's recovery this comes as no surprise. There is deep felt hatred and resentment between the Khmers/Thais & Vietnamese. All it ever needed was a spark like this to set it all off. Conditions in Cambodia are dire, Pol Pot's weapons of mass destruction (his regime) managed to kill off any skilled people in the country (strangely the USA didn't feel the need to step in to save the 1.5 million - 2 million who died). What we see here nationally is the same as what we see at home domestically. Poverty breeds resentment, disorder, lawlessness, insecurity. Sort out poverty and you sort out the majority of the world's problems.
Simon Soaper, England

It is terrible that they attacked the embassy and did very bad thing to our King. If anyone is aggressive to our king, I don't think we can be resolved. Anyway I think the Cambodians need to listen more. They will ruin their country as no tourists will want to visit an unstable country.
Sasinee, Thailand

The relationships between Thailand and its neighbours, notably Burma and Cambodia, have run from lukewarm to cool for centuries, with a history of multiple conflicts between the three, but in recent years these have been somewhat milder that they were in former times.

One has to question the validity of the suggestion that certain Cambodian politicians used the remark as ammunition in an effort to stir nationalist awareness in the run up to the elections in July, for it is difficult to envisage this as credible, since Thailand has no participatory role in the election of Cambodian politicians. Could there be more "across the border" politics in this than meets the eye? Let's hope not. It is to be hoped, that provided the Cambodian government has the good sense to "come clean" about the motive behind airing the remarks, make an apology, and offer of compensation for the damage done, then this latest incident will hopefully be quickly resolved.
Terry Jones, Thailand/UK

I have heard reports of rioters in Cambodia burning images of the Thai King. This is outrageous and extremely disrespectful. The King is highly revered both in Thailand and internationally. It is sad to see people stoop to such low levels.
J, NZ

I do not agree with Thai actress's comments about the Cambodia stealing Angkor Wat from Thailand. Thailand are the ones who tried to steal and copy Cambodian Heritage. It is a shame that Cambodia is being crushed to the West (by Thailand) and to the East (by Vietnam). May the Buddha bless your country and the world with harmony and peace!
John Sonith, USA

Mass illiteracy, poverty, high unemployment and lack of educational opportunities create breeding grounds for religious fanaticism, radical indoctrination, sectarian extremism and militant fundamentalism in the Third World.
There are no easy solutions to this endemic, systematic syndrome. Against this background, nations with this kind of sectarian malaise, should develop a secular, impartial rapid-deployment police force to defuse the situation before it gets out of control. Furthermore, diplomacy and dialogue should be employed to resolve the delicate situation, as opposed to costly and regrettable confrontation.
Igonikon Jack, USA

I am very happy if the international community is searching for the truth as to the ownership of the Angkor Wat temple. I can assure you that it belongs to Cambodia. Thais have been looking down on Cambodia and invading our territory, but we never had a good chance to show our anger.
Piseth, Cambodia

Anger relating to wounded national pride and national symbols is nothing new, nor is it exclusive to Thais and Cambodians. The reaction in this case, though, seems a bit extreme given the circumstances. The Thai king did well to step in to do what he could, but Thailand ought to offer a public statement of remorse, as well as an offer to compensate Cambodian businesses for their losses.
Ed Poplin, United States

We are Cambodians. We love our country and our nation and our culture. Angkor Wat is very important for Cambodians. We want the world know that Angkor Wat belongs to Cambodia - it like our life. Cambodia has a great culture and it is time to stand up to show the world so they know about us.
Sokvey, Cambodia

I've just come back from Thailand after three months of a break out there. One thing I know is that Thai's don't take it lightly when their Monarch is insulted in such a manner by the Cambodians. This is bound to stir some short-term hard feelings. But generally, long-term relations between the two countries have generally been good.
Kash, London,UK

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30 Jan 03 | Asia-Pacific
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