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By Reinhard Hohler
Jul 19, 2009
ETN News.com

Chang Mai, Thailand (eTN) - According to some Cambodian media sources, a new website launched by the Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva recently has caused a stir in the Cambodian local media as well as among top officials.

The website at the heart of the controversy, www.ilovethailand.org, claims that parts of today's Cambodia were in fact Thai territories.

The website's claims make headlines in most major newspapers in Cambodia. Khmerization was the first site that has opened the debate on this controversial website, when it received an e-mail from Mr. Dith Nimol alerting the website's claims relating to Thai "lost territory.”

Reaksmei Kampuchea newspaper picked up Khmerization's report. Then Khmer
Sthapana, Deum Ampil and Khmer online website, www.everyday.com.kh, have all reported the Thai PM web-site's controversy extensively.

The major English daily Phnom Penh Post reported that Cambodian officials are scurrying to investigate the claims. It quoted Mr. Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, as saying that "they (the Thai) are twisting the facts of history. It is completely exaggerated."

According to Phnom Penh Post, in 1794, Thailand - then known as Siam - annexed Siem Reap and Battambang provinces from the declining Khmer kingdom, but the territories were returned following a March 1907 treaty between Thailand and France.

And, according to historical records, other Khmer territories annexed by Thailand in the late 18th centuries include Kauk Khan (Sisaket), Surin, Sa Keo, Nokor Reach (Korat) and many more provinces.

Now another Cambodian website, ilovekhmer.org, has entered the fray with the aims of countering the "provably false accusations", made by the Thai PM's site.