Media treads fine line in border row

Prime Minister Hun Sen greets children dressed in military fatigues during his visit to Preah Vihear temple last weekend. (Photo by: Heng CHivoan)

Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Irwin Loy
The Phnom Penh Post

Coverage, rather than rhetoric, can lead in igniting Thai-Cambodian tensions, analysts warn

THERE was no shortage of border rhetoric this weekend. Knowing the media would scrutinise a high-profile visit to Preah Vihear temple, Cambodian officials threw jabs at Thailand’s leader, its claims to contested land and the Thai press.

In an unusual move, the government attacked one of Thailand’s English-language newspapers, accusing the Bangkok Post of publishing a “distorted” view of the weekend visit.

When the newspaper reported that a Thai army official led a delegation that welcomed the premier to the temple – it was Prime Minister Hun Sen, Cambodian officials said, who welcomed the Thai officer – the reaction was swift.