Yesterday 14 July 2008, H.E. Sok An and his delegation, just arriving Cambodia from Canada, met and spoke to hundreds of Cambodians at Olympic stadium about the listing of Preah Vihear temple into the world heritage. He claimed that this is another big achievement of the Royal Government of Cambodia of this third mandate of the National Assembly among other achievements. It is under the ruling party, the Cambodian’ s People Party (CPP). While Cambodians are celebrating this important events showing their nationalism, it appears that political parties are doing their best to link it to their party efforts and strength.

At the Thailand side, we can also see this. Thai nationalists take this as a big issue and oppose the Thai government. Thai opposition group want the Preah Vihear temple back to Thailand or be co-managed by Cambodia and Thailand. Today, the five month government of Mr. Samak is facing difficulties and going to reshuffle its government after a few ministers had not been in the government positions any more.

In Cambodia and Thailand, there is a similar trend, taking the Preah Vihear temple as a tool to exploit benefits for their self interests. They all are nationalists. Simultaneously, taking for own benefits is another opportunity. Whatever they do, we need peace and stability. The Preah Vihear temple case has contributed to political instability in Thailand and economy is going down. Investment in Thailand is going down while inflation reduces consumer spending.