Thai-Cambodian border talks: a good start

The latest round of talks between Thailand and Cambodia over Preah Vihear Temple was successful because the two sides agreed to continue to work for a solution. But it will take time. Granted, with the current situation in both countries it could be a long process, but as long as the two countries agree on the modus vivendi, it will help lower tensions along the border.

Thai Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag, on his inaugural mission, has done well in creating trust with his Cambodian counterpart, Hor Namhong. On a personal level, they are friends and have known each other for a long time. However, both foreign ministers will protect their national interests

 Both sides will recall troops from the adjacent areas to the temple. This will be done discretely to ensure security along the volatile border. They also agreed to de-mine the areas. The sensitive issues of legality and sovereignty were not discussed. These can be picked up in the future.

Cambodia would like to push for a meeting at the UN if the current bilateral talk fails. But Thailand views the talks as an ongoing process which will require time and patience. Bangkok views the temple quarrel as a bilateral issue. Given the current state of Thai-Cambodian relations, it is not hard to foresee that both sides will need longer to deal with it.

With calm, tourists, both local and foreign, will return to the temple site. Thai and Cambodian vendors, who have both benefited from tourism, must cooperate to ensure that no fighting or any form of violence occurs which could spark armed intervention. At the moment, there are more Cambodian stands set up in the overlapping area, so everyone needs to be sensible in solving perceived local imbalances.

As long as the potential for armed conflict has been reduced, the border can be managed agreeably by both sides. More dialogue is pivotal, and when the political climate improves, maybe something more positive will emerge from this episode.