DIPLOMATS SEE WAT IT’S ABOUT
Cultural heritage was top of the agenda during a visit to sacred sites
Aquick trip to three ancient temple sites on the Thai-Cambodian border is a rare opportunity, but one group of Bangkok-based ambassadors from some 20 countries recently took advantage of. Hosted by the Thai Ministry of Culture, the Nov 6-8 museum visit and trip aimed to encourage the diplomats to appreciate the shared culture of the two neighbours. It featured Sdok Kok Thom, temple ruins in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, the remote Bayon-styled Banteay Chhmar temple and Banteay Torp, another landmark site, in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province, about 20km from the border point in Ta Phraya district.
In order to cover the three sites in such a short time, the programme bypassed the conventional route through Poipet via Sisophon province and instead took the bumpy village road travelled by locals. But the detour was rewarded with an experience that was worthwhile for all.
The diplomats left behind their formal attire in favour of indigo-coloured morhom shirts and casual slacks, and climbed up and down the old structures as they explored and studied the stone monuments.
The Thai host party was led by Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat, permanent secretary for culture Apinan Poshyananda, and socialites including MR Chakrarot Chitrabongs, cultural expert and former permanent secretary for culture.
At Sdok Kok Thom, which is known for an important ancient inscription that cited the period when King Jayavarman II founded Angkor, the diplomats were received by a troupe of young Thai dancers, dressed in Apsara costume, who performed a welcome dance at the entrance.
Crossing the border, they were welcomed to Cambodia by Chuch Phoeurn, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Culture Ministry. Before exploring the Bayon temple, they were treated to a practical lunch, som tam and grilled chicken and sticky rice. Unlike the Sdok Kok Thom temple, which has gone through a major renovation, Banteay Chhmar is still in its raw, abandoned state surrounded by green jungle and crumbled stones waiting to be reconstructed.
The temple is the fourth-largest on Cambodian soil after Preah Khan in Kampong Svay, Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Yet the monumental structure, in particular bas reliefs featuring the stunning Avalokitesvara and scenes of daily life similar to those at Angkor Thom, charmed all the visitors.
Mr Vira said the programme epitomised the neighbourly relations between the two countries, which are celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
What he did not mention is that the structures are proof of ties that have lasted for centuries.
Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber was amazed how the two countries share close cultural similarities.
He said the trip not only reminded him of the old days when he visited Angkor Wat in Siem Reap some 20 years ago, it was an inspiration — the ambassador said he was to visit the World Heritage Site in Siem Reap some time soon.