Diplomacy via education

The recent border skirmishes between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia have aroused fervent nationalism and hateful sentiments in society. While collective angst is understandable, it is alarming to witness our parliamentarians display such zealous attitudes.

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Such is the case with a group of senators from the Upper House's Committee on Education and Higher Learning. On a recent Wednesday, they publicly called on the government to repeal cross-border school programmes and slash the budget for undocumented Cambodians studying in Thailand.

These proposals are not only prejudiced — they would also stymie future, long-term efforts to reestablish diplomatic relations with our neighbour, with whom we share over 800 kilometres of border and deep cultural ties.