Things in Cambodia are cooling down with the arrival of rainy season downpours, but heating up politically as it gets closer to elections. Political rallies are more abundant, campaign posters are everywhere, and motos are driving around with recordings about different candidates playing on loudspeakers. Elections take place in one week and we are all ready for them to be over. The government is still predicting peaceful elections and not expecting any serious problems.
Right now, the attention has turned to a border dispute with Thailand. Recently, the United Nations declared a Cambodian temple, Prheah Vihear, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a great achievement for Cambodians and will bring more tourists and money to the country. The temple, however, sits right along a disputed border area with Thailand who is claiming the temple is actually within their borders. It seems like a simple thing to negotiate and solve, which we hope they do, but right now tensions are building. Cambodia deployed 800 troops to the border and Thailand around 300. There have been protests on both sides and the border crossing has been closed affecting hundreds of Thais and Cambodians that cross the border for work and business. Peace Corps and all of us are watching the situation and hope it's resolved on Monday when the Thai and Cambodian Foreign Ministers meet. Hopefully if something does happen, it will stay contained to the disputed area.
On a lighter note, this Month Sophal and I both celebrated our Birthdays. 28 and 24 respectively. We spent the weekend relaxing at one of the nicest resorts in town and just spending some time together. It was a great Birthday weekend! This is my second and last Birthday in Cambodia which feels strange to think about. I've gotten older without knowing it! I know I know....I'm only 24 but still! Life is moving on!
Right now, the attention has turned to a border dispute with Thailand. Recently, the United Nations declared a Cambodian temple, Prheah Vihear, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a great achievement for Cambodians and will bring more tourists and money to the country. The temple, however, sits right along a disputed border area with Thailand who is claiming the temple is actually within their borders. It seems like a simple thing to negotiate and solve, which we hope they do, but right now tensions are building. Cambodia deployed 800 troops to the border and Thailand around 300. There have been protests on both sides and the border crossing has been closed affecting hundreds of Thais and Cambodians that cross the border for work and business. Peace Corps and all of us are watching the situation and hope it's resolved on Monday when the Thai and Cambodian Foreign Ministers meet. Hopefully if something does happen, it will stay contained to the disputed area.
On a lighter note, this Month Sophal and I both celebrated our Birthdays. 28 and 24 respectively. We spent the weekend relaxing at one of the nicest resorts in town and just spending some time together. It was a great Birthday weekend! This is my second and last Birthday in Cambodia which feels strange to think about. I've gotten older without knowing it! I know I know....I'm only 24 but still! Life is moving on!
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3 comments:
Hey. I'm so glad you and Sophal had a wonderful birthday. Mine was fun as well. =) I do hope everything works out soon in Cambodia and between Thailand/Cambodia. Miss ya!!
That resort looks beautiful! I wish I could have seen it with my own eyes. I can't believe you will be back in less than 9 months! Crazy!!
So I kinda lied in my last message. I didn't send your birthday present until the 15th of July, but when I messaged you I was planning on sending it that day. I know...I suck, but it's on the way. It's not much, but I think you'll like it. Let me know if you'd like more like it for Christmas. ;-)
Give Sophal a big hello for me! Much much love!!
Sarah, You look great in your dress!! And quite happy (I am smiling with you.) I'm also glad you had a great birthday.
We will continue to pray.
Love & blessings,
Pastor Mitch
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