Cambodia celebrates as UNESCO lists Preah Vihear Temple, which sits on a
disputed zone between Thailand and Cambodia, as a World Heritage site. 

(ASIA) PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA (JULY 8, 2008) REUTERS -
The United Nations of Education, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) added Cambodia's 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple o its
World Heritage List despite conflict between Cambodia and Thailand over whose
territory the structure is on. 
    The decision made at a meeting in Quebec on Monday (July 7) was met
with joyous celebrations in the streets of Phnom Penh.
    "Even politicians whom opposed the royal government move, they
rang to congratulate us. So all the people of Cambodia and I hope the people
of Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries are happy with the second
victory of Preah Vihear temple on the world stage," said Meung Son,
President of Khmer Civilisation Foundation.
    Many visited shrines and temples around the city with incense, candles
and flowers to thank Buddha. Many hope the temple will attract more
tourists.
    "This will attract tourists to visit our country and they will
know our wealthy culture, and learn more about the ancient city," said
Chon Chanleakena, a Cambodian film star.
    Some see the listing as way to retain their heritage.
    "As a Khmer, I support the prime minister's effort and I am very
happy because this is our Khmer heritage," said Chuong Doung, a
farmer.
    Cambodia, which is home to another World Heritage site, Angkor Wat, has
been seeking to list Preah Vihear temple located on disputed territory between
the border of Thailand and Cambodia since 2001.
    The International Court of Justice in the Hague ruled that the Hindu
temple perched on top of a 525-metre cliff belonged to Cambodia in 1962,
following a dispute between the two neighbours. 
    But Thailand's opposition parties have been accusing Bangkok of ceding
land to Cambodia and the issue has been used as a political tool. 
    Tension over the temple spat was heightened recently when a small group
of anti-Thai government protesters rallied at the border gate near the ruins
and prompted Cambodia to close the check point under the safeguard of armed
forces.
    Cambodia also deployed armed police to guard the Thai embassy in Phnom
Penh. In 1992 angry Cambodian protestors burned the embassy in response to a
Thai claim over Angkor Wat.  
    In Bangkok, feelings were mixed towards the the UNESCO decision.
    "To be named as a World Heritage site is an honour. We should be
happy with it, we should not be patriotic on this issue, by saying it is ours
or theirs," said Prapaphan Pimsiri, an office worker.
    "They should have asked the people from the two countries before
making the decision to give the rights to Cambodia. This is not fair,"
said Natcha Lairsuwanrat, a student.
    Thailand's top court questioned the legality of Bangkok's support for a
Cambodian bid to list the temple as a World Heritage site, giving the
opposition another weapon to use against the government. 
    The Constitutional Court ruled 8-1 that a communiqué approved by the
cabinet in June backing Cambodia's bid to list the temples had required the
approval of parliament.
    But Charnvit Kasetsiri, a Thai historian on Southeast Asia said the
issue had been overly politicised by opponents of the government and former
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
    "It became political. And I think it probably will become a black
hole which everyone of us will fall into and most will not find the way back.
It is not Thai-Cambodia relation problem. It is the problem between Thais and
Thais that became a factional conflict," said Kasetsiri.
    UNESCO has said it has no implications for any ongoing negotiations
concerning the boundary between the two countries and does not prejudice the
rights of both governments to reach an amicable settlement of the disputed
boundary.
    Nevertheless, some Thais were angered by the decision.
    "We were too late to be told of what was going on. We feel like we
have to fight with our hands tied. I am a Thai who wants Thailand to exist and
to have Preah Vihear on our map," said an unidentified anti-government
protester.
    The UNESCO also inscribed another famed temples of Angkor built between
the 9th-12 centuries and Cambodia's biggest tourist destination as World
Heritage Sites in 1992.  Cambodia's Khmer royal dancing was also listed in
2003.