Today I walked into the Common Grounds Coffee shop on the outskirts of Siem Riep City center. The T.V. news channel blared and all local faces were glued to the report. I didn't even have to ask about the news report. I knew exactly what was so important.There is a significant issue brewing just north of SiemRiep(Angkor) over the Preah Vinhear Temple. Just last week the sight was named a World Heritage Site. Cambodians cheered to have this honor but this declaration enraged Thailand's government. The temple and surrounding land is on contested property. The governments of Thailand and Cambodia claim this land. In 1962 an International Court decided it was Cambodian land.
I talked to two local people today and I sense in them great concern. The situation is quite sensitive. If I've learned anything this week about Cambodia, it is that these people know war times better than peace times. Earlier I had wondered why after 30 years Cambodia has not advanced more. I didn't realize that they were still dealing with the Khmer Rouge (among other things) until 1992. So of course this conflict is laying heavy on the hearts of people here. Cambodia has asked for the UN's help. We'll wait and see.
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