Phra Viharn National Park closed until further notice

While the verdict of the International Court of Justice concerning the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over the ownership of Preah Vihear temple is due on 11 November, the Thai authorities have decided to close the public national Park Phra Viharn until further notice.

It is no longer possible to visit the park and especially go on More E-Dang cliff that offers a magnificent view over the temple which is no more accessible from Thailand for many years. The park was often sometimes closed and sometimes open to the public depending on tensions between the two countries.

The overall situation along the Thai-Cambodian border in the province remains normal, although the military is on alert to prevent trouble if  the ruling causes demonstrations or unrest. On 11 November, the World Court will deliver its ruling on the territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over the area surrounding Preah Vihear temple. Ownership of the temple has been a contentious issue between the countries for more than a century and a flashpoint in Thai politics.

UPDATE 11 november 2013:  ICJ confirmed PhnomPenh’s sovereignty over the whole of a disputed promontory bearing aCambodian temple on the border with Thailand.

Note: The Thai national park near the temple is called Phra Viharn. However, the temple  is now identified by both countries as “Preah Vihear”.