Spat over history futile
Atemple construction project in Buri Ram, which features Khmer-style sandstone towers, has drawn the ire of some Cambodian netizens who accuse the builder of “copying” their Angkor Wat heritage site, leading to a war of words between netizens of both countries.
The temple, Wat Phu Man Fah, in Buri Ram’s Nang Rong district denies the accusation, saying its “Sihanakhon project” is purely a work of imagination while the Cambodian government itself has been quick to dismiss the claims.
Yet, such anger from the public is not unusual for the two neighbours who have been stuck in a lovehate relationship. A cultural move in one country, such as the registration of a cultural performance over a Thai mask dance or the world heritage listing of Preah Vihear, can result in confrontation or even violence.
Unreasonable as it may all seem — as the past has shown us — such anger cannot be underestimated, as seen in 2003 when ultra-nationalist Cambodian rioters attacked the Thai embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh.
The two days of violence were fuelled by the false rumours that actress Suwanand Kongying claimed Thai ownership of the Khmer ruins. The actress denied making any such a statement and eventually it was revealed the rumour was a fabrication made for political reasons ahead of the Cambodian general elections.
Today, some of the public in Thailand and Cambodia remain trapped by historical animosity and ultranationalism. History has been misused to intensify negative sentiments in both lands.
For instance, there is a Cambodian folk tale, Phra Keow and Phra Ko, that characterises “Siam” as thieves who stole Cambodia’s wisdom and wealth. Today a large number of Cambodians still think the tale is true. Meanwhile, some Thais continue to think negatively towards Cambodians because of events perceived to have occurred during the Ayutthaya kingdom period.
Such misleading views of history need to be clarified, or even shelved, so those with ulterior motives cannot use them to further spur hatred between the two nations.
The adverse feelings that some Cambodians have over the Sihanakhon project reveal that more effort needs to be made for people of both countries to have a better understanding of each other.
To do that Thais and Cambodians need to appreciate they share a cultural heritage dating back several centuries. Most of the provinces in southern Isan have several Khmer-style historical ruins such as in Buri Ram which is home to the famous Phanom Rung historical park. Meanwhile Cambodia’s Wat Phra Kaew has elements, such as mural paintings depicting the Ramayana epic in the temple’s inner walls, that resemble the namesake temple in Bangkok.
When it comes to heritage, both peoples should understand there’s no use arguing over “who is the owner?” Such a winner/loser mindset will benefit no one, it can only harm amity. Thais and Cambodians should instead cherish their mutual heritage together.
Much has been said about people-to-people diplomacy, but it must be translated into practice and the sooner it’s done the better. Without a sense of sharing and an exchange of goodwill, everyone will emerge as losers.