Thailand Calls for Reopening of Preah Vihear Ruins to Enhance Tourism Potential

• 23 May 2023
• Local News
• 2894 Views

Thailand fervently urges the reopening of the captivating Preah Vihear temple ruins in Si Sa Ket province, after a lengthy suspension of 15 years. The move aims to revitalize tourism and foster peaceful dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia, as highlighted in the Bangkok Post on 20th May 2023.

Since 2008, access to the Preah Vihear temple from Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district has been impeded due to border disputes over the contested territory between the two nations. Regrettably, Cambodia has maintained restrictions on entry to the Preah Vihear temple ruins from Thailand’s territory for over a decade.

In a bid to reestablish cultural and tourism ties, Thailand has made numerous attempts to collaborate with Cambodia in reopening tourism around the temple complex. Notably, the governor of Ubon Ratchathani province extended a request to Cambodia, seeking permission for tourists to access the Preah Vihear temple through the Si Sa Ket entrance. However, the request was regrettably declined, citing the exclusive authority of Prime Minister Hun Sen to make such decisions.

In 2013, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) called for the withdrawal of armed forces stationed near the temple ruins on the Cambodian side, marking a significant step towards resolution. Nevertheless, the court’s ruling permits both Thailand and Cambodia to deploy border patrol forces along the outer frontiers.

• Tourism and Travelling