The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand has lodged a protest, through an Aide-Memoire dated 12 November, 2008, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia regarding the various incidents occurred in the area adjacent to the Phra Viharn Temple that constitute a violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Text of the said Aide-Memoire is as follows:
“AIDE-MEMOIRE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand has the honour to draw the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia to various incidents that took place on 7 November 2008 in the Phra Viharn area. The Thai local authorities in Srisaket province reported that: (1) Cambodian authorities erected 3 flag posts for Cambodian national flag and UNESCO flags at the Temple and in the area adjacent to the Temple, as well as constructed 2 signboards near the bottom of the stairways of the Temple; (2) Cambodian officials travelled on land from the Kingdom of Cambodia through the Thai territory to participate in a ceremony to erect the said 3 flag posts at the Temple and in the area adjacent to the Temple without permission from the Thai authorities; and (3) a religious ceremony is being planned for 12 November 2008 at Keo Sikha Kiri Savara Pagoda, which is situated in the Thai territory. As these activities have been and will be carried out within the Thai territory without prior consent from the Kingdom of Thailand, they constitute a flagrant and willful violation of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Since the area on the promontory adjacent to the Phra Viharn Temple is part of Thai territory, Cambodian officials must seek permission from the Royal Thai Government before they enter the said area. Moreover, the erection of any signpost/emblem must be made within the “Property” of the Phra Viharn Temple as defined in paragraph 9 of the decision 32 COM 8B.102 of the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Quebec. The Royal Thai Government will not tolerate the construction or erection of signpost/emblem or any structure outside the “Property” as so defined.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand hereby reaffirms its commitment to working constructively and cooperate closely with Cambodia within the existing framework of the Thai - Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) with a view to resolving boundary issues in a just and peaceful manner in accordance with international law.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.