The strip of land could well turn into a Southeast Asian counterpart to the so-called Korean demilitarised zone. The name “demilitarised zone” is a misnomer, as both sides are heavily fortified. A militarised border between Cambodia and Thailand would be an economic disaster. It would certainly discourage tourism, which accounts for approximately 9% of each country’s GDP.
I lived in Southeast Asia for nearly three decades. My family had the opportunity to spend some wonderful time in both Cambodia and Thailand. In Cambodia, we visited the magnificent ruins of the Buddhist monastery, Ta Prohm. This notable site, near the renowned Angkor Wat, was used in Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which added to the fun for our children.
The Cambodian government has lovingly tended these ruins. As a family, we were able to literally touch some of Cambodia’s rich history. Similarly, visits to Ayutthaya, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam, helped us better understand Thailand’s history. My wife and I remember a kind, young monk who stretched his English to help us understand the customs of his community.
The ongoing fighting will discourage tourism in general and to the several sites of the ancient temples that lie on or near the disputed border, including Prasat Preah Vihear (Khmer) / Prasat Phra Viharn (Thai). This Unesco World Heritage site is dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the countryside and would be a draw for international tourists if we had peace.
How can the ancient ruins be reopened for tourists? How can the fighting be stopped? How can these two countries develop harmonious relationships?
I don’t have a magic solution, but I do have a modest proposal based on the wisdom of Deng Xiaoping, China’s leader in the 1980s. He was the primary architect of China’s economic reforms, which have transformed the country into one of the world’s economic powers. In discussions with Japan in 1978 and with the Philippines in the 1980s, both of which have disputes with China over island ownership, he said that what is essential is to jointly develop the disputed territories and leave their ownership to future generations. Although I do not see this as China’s current policy toward its neighbours, I think it is precisely the approach needed in the Cambodian-Thai conflict.
Following this advice, Cambodia and Thailand, renewing the ceasefire, could jointly assign the operational control of the disputed temple sites to a newly created, dedicated international non-profit organisation with the goals of:
• Appropriately rehabilitating the ancient temple sites to allow visitors to appreciate the history of the structures and that of the Khmer and Siamese peoples.
• Work with both governments to improve access to the sites for surrounding communities and tourists.
• Encourage the removal of mines and military facilities from the border region.
• Support a delineation of the border between the two countries that allows proper enforcement of immigration and customs regulations consistent with international guidelines.
The new organisation could adopt an impartial approach to the problems, working to treat both sides fairly and to ensure that the local communities benefited from the development of the sites. It is a modest proposal in that it does not require technical skills that are unavailable in the region.
I know it cannot restore lives lost or livelihoods disrupted, but it would stop further fighting. I cannot guarantee that funding for this non-governmental organisation can be found, but I think it is likely. It would cost less than continuing armed conflict. It would be a way forward.
