Temple vantage point reopens

The Khao Phra Wiharn National Park’s More E-Dang Cliff reopened for tourists last Saturday after the International Court of Justice ruled that both Thailand and Cambodia must work together to resolve  issues over the ownership of 4.6 sq km of land.

The national park chief, Saksit Pholsapsiri, confirmed the park reopened Saturday after it has been closed since 4 November.

“If there is no violence in the border area we will allow tourists to camp on the hills close to Preah Vihear over the next few months.”

More E-Dang Cliff is an excellent vantage point to see Cambodia’s Preah Vihear temple.

In recent years, some Thais held a protest in the park over a 4.6 sq km area that was in dispute.

The International Court of Justice ruled 11 November that both countries must work together to resolve the ownership issues in the disputed zone by “peaceful means”.

However, the court did award the area around the temple to Cambodia clearing up a dispute that had festered for years with both sides claiming the land that immediately surrounded the temple. That issue has now been resolved and the Thai government has said it will abide by the international court’s ruling.

It has resulted in a loss of some land, but was considered an acceptable compromise will the remaining 4.6 sq km of land to be resolved through bilateral talks.

Visitors can see the temple from More E-Dang in Phra Viharn National Park, 500 metres above sea level. The hilly ridge extends for 130 sq km covering two provinces, Kantharalak district in Si Sa Ket and Nam Khun and Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani.

The vantage point is about 9 km from the park gate and about 1 km from Preah Vihear temple.

For Cambodia, the temple can be approached either via Tbeng Meanchey the provincial capital of Preah Vihear province, or from Siem Reap via Anlong Veng district.

Although the highway is paved near Siem Reap, it is usually badly damaged in the rainy season near the Dangrek escarpment where the temple is located, 140 km from Angkor Wat.

The Court also advised both Cambodia and Thailand to work together to preserve the historical World Heritage site of Phra Viharn Temple.

Note: The Thai national park near the temple is called Phra Viharn. However, the temple which stands on Cambodian territory by consensus is now identified by both countries as Preah Vihear (Cambodian spelling).

Sourced: ttrweekly