via Bangkok Post, 17 December 2023: Thai MPs from Si Sa Ket have petitioned Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for dialogue with Cambodia to reopen travel to Preah Vihear Temple, closed since 2008 due to border disputes and COVID-19. The temple’s conflict, escalated after UNESCO World Heritage registration in 2008, saw military tensions and international court involvement. Thai officials view reopening as a tourism boost, needing Cambodia’s agreement for border security and national interests.
Preah Vihear (Phra Vihan) Temple is currently closed to all visitors as a result of border conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic although Cambodia has allowed day-trip access on a visa-free basis to Thais in the past.
On Thailand’s side, Mr Sutin said more tourism would help stimulate activity at the border, in line with the government’s policies, and expressed hope the good relationship that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had with the former Cambodian premier, Hun Sen, might help pave the way for possible negotiations on the matter.
Maj Gen Nut Sri-In, commander of the Suranaree Task Force , said the border opening would not affect national security, and a decision from the Cambodian government on the matter is needed.
Source: Fresh plan to end temple dispute
