OPINION

Our shared heritage

It is with a sense of sadness that I observe the deteriorating situation between Thailand and Cambodia. As neighbours, we have a shared part, present and future.

Broadly speaking, what is good for Cambodia is also good for Thailand, and what is bad for Cambodia is also bad for Thailand. In the short run, it is possible for one country to gain at the expense of the other, but it is not a desirable thing to aim for. It is better that we aim for mutual prosperity.

Cambodia, you have such a great cultural heritage. Your ancient prasats are nothing short of extraordinary. Any disinterested observer looking at the timelines of history can only conclude that the Khmer had a significant influence on the Thai culture.

There is no shame in admitting that, just as there is no shame in admitting that the Khmer were influenced by the Javanese empires and the Javanese by the Indian empires.

Again, you need only to look at the timelines. The truth is that in each iteration of the cultural adaptation, the adapter introduced their own unique interpretations and local colours.

When I visited Banteay Chhmar, which is just across the border from Aranyaprathet, the scale of the temple complex completely overwhelmed me. I had no idea that such a major architectural gem existed just a stone's throw from our common border.

I do understand how the demarcation of the border is a point of intense national pride, but surely some compromise could be found so that both of our people can visit and appreciate the various smaller prasats along the border, regardless of which side they fall on. It behoves Thailand and Cambodia to think of themselves as guardians of the heritage sites. We must make sure that future generations have the opportunities to appreciate them.

Cambodia, I understand your misgivings and sensitivities about Thailand's cultural appropriations of your culture. I think I speak for most Thais when I say that is the furthest thing from our minds. It is so sad that our countries should go to war over this. Please, please stop the war.

Neutral witness

Re: "Ceasefire hopes rest on meet", (BP, Dec 22).

In the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, we badly need a neutral, credible body to establish what the facts are. Such a body will help ensure that we are not seen to be the aggressor and have abided by all agreements and declarations.

Each side consistently proclaims that the other side was totally at fault, but were they? Remember the quote by American politician Hiram Johnson: "The first casualty when war comes is truth".

We often report that the Asean Observation Team (AOT) has confirmed our view of events, but if the AOT gave their findings directly to the media, that would carry much more weight and would help show that we were the injured party. The lack of such direct briefings makes the world wonder if we are selectively quoting, etc.

The AOT, or a similar body, should be authorised to go where and when it wishes, with consent from all concerned, at its own risk, answerable to Asean.