Embassy dos to mark 70 years of Thai-Cambodian friendship

Embassy dos to mark 70 years of Thai-Cambodian friendship

The Thai embassy has announced plans to organize year-long activities to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Thailand and Cambodia’s diplomatic relations, which were established in 1950.

Among these is a photography competition, which welcomes participation from Cambodians and Thais alike, under the theme, 70 Years of Friendship in my Eyes, said the embassy’s press release.

A concert featuring the Jazz ensemble of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra will show Thai-Cambodian friendship through melodies.

Ground-breaking ceremonies of various buildings, which are gifts of Thai people presented to the Kingdom, will also be held, the press release noted.

It said: “Over the past years, Thailand and Cambodia have maintained excellent bilateral relations as reflected by regular high-level visits and meetings that have helped further enhance our mutual understanding and cooperation.

“Both countries have worked tirelessly to secure peace and prosperity along our 800km border. The trade volume has continuously increased and, in 2019, surpassed $9 billion.”

Hundreds of thousands of tourists travel from Cambodia to Thailand and vice-versa.

The release highlighted Thailand’s contribution to the Kingdom, saying that more than a million Cambodian workers earn their living in Thailand.

Thailand’s development aid in the education, agricultural and public health sectors has also created positive impacts on many Cambodian people’s lives.

“Mutual trust, mutual benefits and cooperation remain the fundamental principles guiding the elevation of our bilateral bonds to a higher plane,” it added.

The Thai embassy could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Kin Phea, the director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s International Relations Institute, told The Post on Tuesday that relations between the two nations have seen highs and lows due to conflicts in politics.

However, Phea assured that there were no major conflicts between the two.

Phea said: “The recent status of relations between the two is better. They really need each other’s support, especially in the regional and international arena.

“In terms of politics, the leaders of the nations seem to follow each other’s example to maintain power. As was seen, Samdech Hun Sen did not allow Thailand’s opposition ‘Red Shirt’ movement to use the Cambodian territory for broadcasting their propaganda.

“In response, Sam Rainsy who intended to return to Cambodia by passing through Thai territory was also banned by the country’s prime minister. The nations have exhibited mutual and positive relations.”

Phnom Penh Post