Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand claims the Preah Vihear belongs to Cambodia

BANGKOK, 8 February 2011 (NNT)-Her Excellency Ms You Ay, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Thailand has called on both sides to settle their differences by adopting the Joint Border Committee (JBC)’s framework.

During the 8th Southeast Asian Seminar at Thammasat University, H.E. You Ay said the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia are more siblings-like rather than being neighbors as both nations share common denominators such as language, lifestyle and traditions.

According to the Cambodian Ambassador, Thailand and Cambodia are relying on their own map of the Preah Vihear where both countries claim their ownership of the territory. The Cambodian ambassador has stressed that the International Court had already verified the accuracy of the Cambodian map; therefore, the row over the overlapping land should have come to an end.

She cited that any disagreements should be solved through the framework established under the JBC guidelines proven to have fixed border disputes between Cambodia and Vietnam before. H.E. You Ay said if border fightings still continue, it will be impossible for Thai and Cambodian citizens to travel to their respective country.

In an attempt to promote good relations, she also urged a new generation of teachers to teach their students the truth about the Preah Vihear case and told the press to keep to the truth in their reports. The Ambassador denied the death toll of 16 Cambodian citizens during the clashes as being exaggerated.