Integrity Legal

It would seem as though Southeast Asia is not immune to geopolitical tensions as it recently came to this blogger’s attention that conflict along the disputed Thai-Cambodian border may be increasing. To quote directly from the official website of the BBC, BBC.co.uk:

Troops from Thailand and Cambodia have again exchanged fire over their disputed border. Unconfirmed reports, quoting a Thai army spokesman, said that one Thai soldier had been killed and seven more were wounded. Each side has accused the other of starting the latest exchange. Tensions have been high since a skirmish in February at the Preah Vihear temple, which is claimed by both countries. The latest exchange was about 100km (62 miles) south-west of the temple. Thailand said its troops had been on routine patrol and Cambodia fired first.

The administration of this blog strongly recommends that readers click upon the hyperlinks above to read this story in further detail. Meanwhile, in order to gain further insight and perspective on this issue it may be best to quote directly from Xinhua‘s official website at Xinhuanet.com:

PHNOM PENH, April 22 (Xinhua) — Cambodia and Thai troops exchanged fires at two separate temples at border area, located about 200 kilometers west of disputed temple of Preah Vihear, military sources said on Friday. The sources said the clash occurred at around 6:00 am on Friday at Ta Moan and Ta Krabey Temples. Neak Vong, deputy commander of brigade 42 at Ta Mon Thom temple, said that all kinds of weaponry have been used. “Now the exchange fire between Cambodia and Thai troops is continue,” he told Xinhua by telephone as the sound of weapon explosions on the background. [sic]

Again, the administration of this web log encourages readers to click upon the hyperlinks above to learn more.

In recent months, the area along this border region has been in dispute by authorities in Thailand as well as Cambodia. It was hoped that these tensions could be resolved through diplomatic channels. In fact, it was initially suggested that the United Nations play a role in arbitrating the dispute. At the time of this writing it is this blogger’s understanding that there is no UN arbitration, but the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has apparently been involved in attempting to mediate the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Clearly, such efforts have yet to bear fruit.

The legal and political issues involved in this dispute are both complex and controversial. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but hopefully, this dispute can be resolved to the benefit of all concerned.

For related information please see: BRICS.

Tags: ASEAN, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, BBC, Cambodian Army, Cambodian Border, Preah Vihear, Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Krabey Temples, Ta Moan Temple, Thai army, Thai-Cambodian Border, Thailand Border, Xinhua
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In recent days, the political situation has grown tense between Thailand and Cambodia. We will not go into the details about the politics here, but there has been some apprehension that the Thai-Cambodia border may be closed. However, according to the website Thaivisa.com the border will remain open for time being. To quote the site directly:

“The Thai-Cambodian border situation in Thailand’s eastern provinces of Sa Kaeo and Chanthaburi remains normal, although some worried Cambodians have flocked to border markets in both Thai provinces to buy consumer goods due to fear of the checkpoints’ closure…However, Thai soldiers on the local site explained to tourists wanting to cross the border that the situation is still normal and there has been no decision to close the border.”

For those who are unaware, a “visa run,” is basically a trip to the border to renew one’s visa status. Visa runs have been slowly diminishing as the Thai visa rules change. However, many foreigners in Thailand still opt to do a “visa run” in order to keep themselves in status. A closure of the Thai-Cambodian border would likely result in difficulties for those dependent upon said border for status renewal. That being said, the Thai-Lao border may be a viable option for visa runners while some simply opt to acquire a long term Thai visa.

Currently Thai border police and Immigration officials are only granting 15 days lawful status to those entering the Kingdom via a land border. This type of status is also known as a visa exemption. At airports, one can expect to be granted a 30 day Thai visa exemption stamp (depending upon the entrant’s nationality).

For more information regarding Thai Immigration and Visa Issues Please see: Thailand visa.

Tags: Cambodia Visa Run, Thai Visa, Thai-Cambodian Border, Thailand Cambodia Border, Thailand Visa, Visa Run, Visa Runners
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