Govt sets conditions for resumption of full relations

Thailand Het laatste Thailand nieuws
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Govt would seek Thaksin’s extradition from Cambodia

Published: 22/10/2009 at 03:32 PM
Online news: Politics

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rebuked neighbouring Cambodia’s premier Hun Sen on Thursday for his offer to let fugitive former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra stay there “anytime”.

Mr Abhisit told reporters that his Cambodian counterpart should keep friendship and politics separate.

“I have talked with Hun Sen several times and he’s told me that he’s Thaksin’s friend, but that he will separate friendship from duty and international affairs,” said Mr Abhisit.

“I have told Hun Sen that anyone appointed to an important position must separate out their personal relations,” he said.

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Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and continues to live in exile after fleeing in August last year to avoid a two-year jail term for abuse of power while in office office, handed down by the Supreme Court

Mr Abhisit reiterated Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban’s announcement that the government would seek Thaksin’s extradition if he ever set foot in Cambodia.

"Once Thaksin enters Cambodia the extradition process will begin.

''If Cambodia fails to comply with the treaty, that would be another story," he said, adding that he hoped to meet Hun Sen at the weekend.

Regional leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are to gather at the coastal town Hua Hin on Friday to attend the 15th Asean Summit and other regional meetings.

Mr Abhisit said that he would not raise the issue of providing refuge for Thaksin when he meets Hun Sen this weekend.

The prime minister said there was nothing out of the ordinary in Hun Sen’s not being available to attend the official opening of the summit. Several other leaders would also not be able to attend the ceremony.

This would not affect relations and cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said later that Hun Sen was required to welcome the South Korean president, who was arriving on a visit to Phnom Penh.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of national security, told reporters that Hun Sen should not meddle in Thailand’s affairs.

Cambodia’s state-run TVK said on Wednesday that Hun Sen made the overture to Thaksin during a private meeting on Wednesday with Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth, a key member of the main opposition Puea Thai Party.

“Thaksin was a political victim. I respect and like him more now than when he was a prime minister,” Hun Sen said in Phnom Penh.

Gen Chavalit also told reporters after the meeting that Hun Sen feels Thaksin is not being fairly treated politically, so he wanted to make it publicly known that he and Thaksin had always been friends.

Mr Suthep said he was not surprised by the remark by Gen Chavalit that Hun Sen had offered Thaksin a home.

“Thailand will make an extradition request if Thaksin is given shelter in Cambodia,” Mr Suthep said.

“If Hun Sen is a friend of someone we have a problem with, there is no reason for us to be angry with the entire country,” he continued. “I am sure he would differentiate between friendship and legal proceedings.”

Thaksin, on his online Twitter feed, thanked Hun Sen for the invitation but stopped short of accepting it.

He said that he was currently staying in Dubai.

Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been difficult for months amid an ongoing border conflict.

The two governments have been at loggerheads over the land around the Preah Vihear temple for decades. Tensions spilled over into violence in July last year, when the temple was granted Unesco World Heritage status.

The Thai government has repeatedly attempted to arrest Thaksin abroad, but the former premier travels on various passports.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

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Published: 27/10/2009 at 03:34 PM
Online news: Local News

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday that he had explained to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen the issues surround ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and Mr Hun Sen had promised not to interfere in Thai politics.

Mr Suthep said he told Mr Hun Sen during the weekend’s Asean summit that Thaksin had not been unfairly treated as claimed. In fact, the former prime minister was found to have broken the law and was sentenced to imprisonment in a proper judicial process.

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Mr Suthep said he told Mr Hun Sen that Thaksin fled the country not because of the Sept 19 2006 coup but to avoid the court’s legal sentencing and a two-year jail term.

"The post-coup government stayed for only one year and a new constitution was approved by the people in a public referendum.

"Thaksin and his men accepted the constitution, took part in the elections and their party was the winner and subsequently formed governments in which Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat were the prime ministers.

“However, these two men were unseated because they had broken the law,” Mr Suthep said.

On extradition, Mr Suthep said he told Mr Hun Sen said that although he and Thaksin were friends, Thailand would ask Cambodia to extradite Thaksin if he was in Cambodia, as allowed by the extradition treaty between the two countries.

"It is up to Cambodia to decide whether or not it would do as requested. The matter might have to be taken to court in the end,‘’ he added.

He also said that Mr Hun Sen accepted his request that the verbal exchanges between the leaders of the two countries should not lead to border tensions or a clash between soldiers.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday that he believes Cambodia understands the issue better after Mr Suthep’s clarification.

The foreign minister’s secretary Chavanont Intarakomalsut said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will issue an official response to Mr Hun Sen, because he may have been given incorrect information about Thaksin.

Mr Hun Sen expressed sympathy for Thaksin during the Asean summit last week. He said Thaksin was treated unjustly and was homeless as a result, and that Thailand had allowed Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy, his political rival, to attack him from Thai soil.

Mr Chavanont said the Foreign Ministry’s statement will outline the facts about Thaksin because Mr Hun Sen might have been given incorrect information, leading to a misunderstanding and uncomfortable feelings between Thailand and Cambodia.

Mr Chavanont said the government had nothing to do with Sam Rainsy being invited to speak at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.
Moreover, Sam Rainsy, unlike Thaksin, was not a convicted criminal and could enter the country as an ordinary tourist.

On the issue of Thaksin’s possible extradition if he goes to and stays in Cambodia, he said it was a matter for the appropriate parties to determine whether he is a political victim or convicted criminal. It was not a subject for verbal argument.

Mr Chavanont said the Foreign Ministry has to be careful not to turn the Thaksin case into a dispute between countries. The government had no policy to hold talks in secret in exchange for some benefit without telling the people, he said.

In the morning, members of the People’s Assembly of Thailand led by Chaiwat Sinsuwong gathered in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok to protest against Mr Hun Sen’s offer of a home for Thaksin to Cambodia.

“The People’s Assembly of Thailand condemn the Cambodian prime minister for taking the opportunity during the Asean Summit to tell reporters that Cambodia would not hand over Thaksin if Thailand sought his extradition,” he said.

“This is an insult to Thailand, the Thai government and the Thai people, and it destroys good relations between the two countries.”

He demanded Mr Hun Sen apologise to Thailand.

The group also condemned Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who met Mr Hun Sen in Phnom Penh last week.

Security in front of the Cambodian embassy was tightened. A company of police were deployed to guard around the embassy and metal barriers placed around the entrance.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda, meanwhile, reiterated that military ties between Cambodia and Thailand remain tight.

Gen Anupong would not say whether Gen Chavalit’s visit to the neighbouring country would affect the army in any way. He said he did not know whether Gen Chavalit was there to discuss personal matters or not.

The army chief saidthat situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains calm, and that soldiers of the two countries are obeying their governments’ decision to solve the border conflict through bilateral talks.

“I can assure you that the situation there will not lead to fighting, and we will not resort to the use of force,” Gen Anupong said.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

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**Ex-PM wants to thank Hun Sen for job offer **

Published: 28/10/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra insists he will go to Cambodia to thank Prime Minister Hun Sen for laying out the welcome mat for him.

Demonstrators, led by People’s Alliance for Democracy core member Chaiwat Sinsuwong, gather yesterday in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok to protest against comments made by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at last weekend’s Asean summit in support of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN

Thaksin confirmed his plan yesterday via a video link to a meeting of the Puea Thai Party amid a simmering conflict that has arisen between Thailand and Cambodia over his status.

Thaksin said he would fly to Cambodia soon to thank Hun Sen, a party source said.

Thaksin said he and Hun Sen had been friends for a long time.

Thaksin also thanked Puea Thai’s new chairman, Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, for “doing the right thing”.

He denied having any businesses in Cambodia, saying he had sold them all before entering politics, the source said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday claimed he had cleared up Hun Sen’s misunderstanding of Thaksin’s situation.

Mr Suthep, who is in charge of national security, said he told Hun Sen Thaksin had not been bullied. He had broken the law and the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions had jailed him for two years after a proper judicial hearing.

He explained Thaksin was not living in exile because of the 2006 coup.

Mr Suthep said Thaksin was fielding members of the political party he controls in elections and they had won. But two party prime ministers had to step down because they had violated the law.

“It’s too late to say he has been unfairly treated. If he accepted the constitution and had not fielded candidates in the general election, it would be another story,” Mr Suthep said.

“Prime Minister Hun Sen understands this point well.”

The Cambodian prime minister was told that if he allowed Thaksin to live in exile in Cambodia, Thailand would use international law to seek his extradition.

“I said it was fine because the law will not be interpreted by me and Mr Hun Sen alone. There is an extradition process, and the court might be the one ruling on the extradition,” he said.

The Cambodian premier said on his arrival at the Asean summit in Thailand last weekend that his government would allow Thaksin to take refuge in Cambodia and work as his economic adviser. Cambodia would not extradite him if asked by Thailand as Thaksin had been unfairly treated, he said.

The Foreign Ministry is preparing to issue a statement explaining the facts relating to Thaksin’s status in response to the remarks by Hun Sen. The statement will be sent to the Cambodian government as the ministry believed the remark was a result of misinformation, said Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Army chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday insisted Hun Sen’s stance on Thaksin had no effect on the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

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Published: 31/10/2009 at 11:30 AM
Online news: Local News

Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth, chairman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said fugitive former prime minister would not permanently reside in Cambodia as he did not want to create any problem to Thailand.

“I had asked him (Thaksin) why he did not stay in the neighbouring country as it is near to his hometown and family, but he said no”, Gen Chavalit on Saturday.

“Staying in Cambodia could lead to many problems to Thailand”, Thaksin was quoted as saying by Gen Chavalit.

The opposition camp chairman disclosed that he will visit Malaysia in mid-November and after that he will make a visit to Burma.

He said he has known Gen Than Shwe for quite a long time and thus he can help improve relations between Thailand and Burma.

Regarding a criticism that he was trying to discredit the government and to help Thaksin, Gen Chavalit said if someone wants to do a big thing, he must be able to stand for such a negative criticism.

The ex-premier insisted that all he had done and plans to do are for the benefit of the country.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

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Suthep plays down rift with Cambodia

Published: 5/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Cambodia has appointed ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen in a move that seems certain to escalate tensions with Thailand.

‘‘Allowing Thaksin to stay in Cambodia is virtuous behaviour … good friends need to help each other in difficult circumstances." CAMBODIAN GOVERNMENT STATEMENT

“Thaksin has already been appointed by royal decree … as personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the adviser to the Cambodian government in charge of economy,” said a Cambodian government statement read on state television yesterday.

“Allowing Thaksin to stay in Cambodia is virtuous behaviour … good friends need to help each other in difficult circumstances.”

The statement went on to call charges against Thaksin “politically motivated”, and vowed not to extradite him if he “decides to stay in Cambodia or travels in and out of Cambodia in order to fulfil his duties”.

The appointment came almost two weeks after Hun Sen riled Thailand by offering safe haven to Thaksin, ousted in a 2006 coup and on the run from a corruption conviction by a Thai court. It also vowed not to extradite him if he stayed in Cambodia.

Hun Sen made the remarks initially to visiting Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Oct 21, and then two days later when he attended the Asean summit in Cha-am district of Phetchaburi.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Hun Sen had to choose between ties with Thailand and his personal relations with Thaksin.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn yesterday said the appointment of Thaksin by Phnom Penh would not affect relations between the two countries.

But Mr Panitan admitted bilateral ties could be more complicated because the Cambodian government knew Thaksin had been convicted of corruption.

Thailand would deal with Cambodia on a case-by-case basis, he said.
Issues where there were no problems with the two countries’ relations would proceed but any issue which could affect ties between the neighbours would be more difficult to deal with, he predicted.

“It’s a Cambodian matter … But if Thaksin happens to be in Cambodia then we have to ask for his extradition.” SUTHEP THAUGSUBAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said: "It’s a Cambodian matter.

"We don’t have to analyse anything, the appointment is a private relationship between Cambodia and Thaksin.

“It hasn’t had any impact on us,” Mr Suthep said.

“It’s not a surprise. Cambodia has previously hired other foreigners as advisers and it did not cause us any problems. We don’t have to worry too much,” said Mr Suthep, who is in charge of national security.

“But if Thaksin happens to be in Cambodia, then we have to ask for his extradition.”

Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been difficult since June 2008 amid a continuing border conflict over land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple which has claimed several lives.

Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh said in Bangkok yesterday a house prepared by Hun Sen for Thaksin was now ready to receive him.

It was one of many houses which the Cambodian government keeps and Thaksin was welcome to stay in Cambodia any time he wants, the defence minister said.

The convicted former prime minister has not yet set foot on Cambodian soil.

Gen Tea Banh said Hun Sen had no intention of interfering in Thai political affairs when he made his comments on the sidelines of the Asean summit about welcoming Thaksin.

“He did not want to play any political game [with the Thai government] but only spoke his thoughts, which were driven by his very close relationship with Thaksin,” he said.

He said Hun Sen had not yet issued a specific order on remarks he made earlier about a possible reduction in troops in the disputed border area near the Preah Vihear temple.

The minister said Cambodia would maintain the same number of soldiers in the area to ensure peace and order.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

6

Published: 5/11/2009 at 03:51 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Thursday he had agreed to take the position of honorary economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

It would enable him to keep his brain sharp while he was still not able to serve the Thai people, he said on his twitter website.

"I would ask for permission from the Thai people to give economic advice to the government of Cambodia, according to my appointment by King Sihamoni, until I can return to the country.

''In fact, I have already served as an adviser to other governments. I take this as a way of keeping my brain sharp, otherwise it could become rusty if I don’t keep abreast of new ideas and developments.

"I want to work for the Thai people, but I cannot. They don’t even let me carry a Thai passport.

''They would also strip me of my police rank and recall my royal decorations. They would even take away my nationality and race, if they could, only because I worked too hard.

''Our neighbour is not an enemy. Since we have to be close to each other forever, it’s better that we should be friends."

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin’s legal adviser, said he had talked to the former prime minister about this matter. Thaksin felt very honoured and would give Mr Hun Sen advice on how to solve economic and poverty problems.

Several countries had had made Thaiksin an adviser, including Nicaragua, and many others would follow suit, Mr Noppadon said.

Mr Noppadon said it would not be necessary for Thaksin to move to stay in Cambodia because he could give his advice on the telephone or the internet.

“Thaksin has not scheduled a trip to Cambodia at this time, so the government does not need to worry or feel shakey because this is not about politics. nor is a move to seek asylum,” Mr Noppadon said.

Mr Noppadon also said Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh’s Pattani City proposal is only a form of special administration similar to Pattaya City or the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to decentralise power to the people of the lower South. It was not about secession.

The Puea Thai Party chairman was only presenting an alternative, Mr Noppadon said.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

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Published: 5/11/2009 at 04:03 PM
Online news: Asia

The government recalled its ambassador to Cambodia on Thursday after Phnom Penh gave a job to fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, further raising tensions between the countries.

File photo of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia on Thursday after Phnom Penh appointed fugitive Thaksin as an economic adviser, a senior official said.

The Cambodian government announced on Wednesday night it had appointed Thaksin an economic adviser, riling Bangkok, which is trying to bring Thaksin home to serve a two year jail sentence handed down by the Supreme Court, three years after he was ousted in a coup.

“We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people,” Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.

“Last night’s announcement by the Cambodian government was harmful to the Thai judicial system and really affected Thai public sentiment,” Mr Abhisit said.

He said aid to Cambodia would also be halted, but checkpoints along the border between the two countries would remain open.; Ordinary commerce between Thai and Camvodian people would not be affected.

A government official said earlier that the ambassador to Phnom Penh would be recalled by Thursday evening in retaliation for Cambodia’s “interference” in Thai politics.

“The reason is that the appointment of Thaksin is considered interfering in our internal politics because Thaksin is still actively involved in politics,” Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Thailand’s foreign affairs minister, told AFP.

Democrat Party spokesman Thepthai Senpong said Thaksin’s new job with the Cambodian government was no more than a consolation gift from a friend.

Mr Thepthai said he did not think Thaksin would actually do anything.

It was an internal matter for the Cambodoian government and the Thai government would not try to interfere.

However, if Thaksin happened to stay in Cambodia, the government would have to seek his extradition, he said.

Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Chavarat Charnveerakul said Thaksin’s appointment would be unlikely to affect the Thai economy.

“Even if he were not economic adviser to the Cambodian government, he would still try to get closer to Thailand,” Mr Chavarat said.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said he was more worried about what damage Thaksin would inflict on the Cambodian economy.

Thaksin said on his that he felt honoured by the appointment and thanked Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“I have just received a copy of King Sihamoni’s royal appointment from Mr Hun Sen. I thank Mr Hun Sen for giving me such an honour. But I would have more enjoyment if I could work to eradicate Thai people’s poverty,” Thaksin tweeted on his twitter account on Thursday morning.

In a statement read on state television yesterday, the Cambodian government said all charges against Thaksin were “politically motivated”, and said it would not allow his extradition to Thailand if he decides to stay in Cambodia or travels in and out of Cambodia to fulfill his duties.

Noppadon Pattama, a former foreign minister and close associate of Thaksin, said Mr Hun Sen appointed Thaksin economic adviser because he could see his potential.

He rejected criticism that Thaksin had achieved his target strategy of a “world surrounding Thailand”. Mr Noppadon said the world would not surround Thailand and attack the Thai government, but the world would try to help resolve Thailand’s problems.

Thaksin remains a hugely influential figure in Thailand, where he has stirred up mass protests by the so-called “Red Shirt” movement against Abhisit’s government in the past year.

Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been difficult since July 2008 amid an ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an 11th century temple which has claimed several lives.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

8

Published: 6/11/2009 at 03:51 PM
Online news: Local News

The cabinet will be asked on Tuesday to revoke a memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand signed with Cambodia in 2001, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Friday.

The memorandum was signed by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An on June 14, 2001, during the first Thaksin government.

Mr Kasit said in a phone interview from Japan that it would not be in Thailand’s best interests to hold talks with Cambodia under that same framework now that Thaksin was serving as economic adviser to the Cambodian government and personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Moreover, no progress had been made in talks with Cambodia during the past eight years.

Thailand would explore other ways of ending the maritime dispute under international law, Mr Kasit said.

Analysts said Mr Hun Sen’s favourtism towards Thaksin may be because he wants Thaksin back in power quickly in the hope of grabbing a bigger share of the unexploited oil and gas reserves in the disputed area - resources which were of prime consderation when the MoU was signed.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Foreign Ministry had been told to take whatever steps were deemed appropriate in downgrading diplomatic relations with Cambodia to protect the country’s interests and defend the judicial system. Cambodia has demeaned the Supreme Court 's sentencing of Thaksin to jail for conflict of interest while prime minister as ‘‘politically motivated’’.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Thailand will downgrade the relations if Phnom Penh continued this uncompromising attitude.

“If Cambodia continues to adopt this hard line, then we must continue to downgrade relations and maybe seal off all border checkpoints,” Mr Suthep said.

Mr Suthep said Thailand expected Cambodia to reciprocate, adding: “Thaksin should ask Cambodian authorities to ensure the safety of the Thai embassy and other Thai interests in Cambodia,” he said.

The latest conflict reflects an attempt by Thaksin to use Cambodia as a base for a political offensive in a bid to return to power, but the government would not fall into his trip.

“All this is happening because Thaksin is using Cambodia as his base for political operations. As he is a former prime minister he should know what is right or wrong, and should not hurt Thailand the way he is doing,” Mr Suthep said.

In 2003, during the Thaksin government, Cambodian protesters set fire to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh - again after both countries recalled their ambassadors in a diplomatic row.

Mr Suthep said there were no plans for Mr Abhisit to meet Mr Hun Sen when the pair attend the two-day summit of Mekong River basin nations in Tokyo, which began on Friday.

The Cambodian government announced the appointment of Thaksin as economic adviser on state television late Wednesday, almost two weeks after Mr Hun Sen first floated the idea at a summit of Asian leaders.

Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai said the appointment of Thaksin is Mr Hun Sen showing his gratitude to the fugitive former premier.

“I would like to raise for observation that what is happening is a show of gratitude by Hun Sun for Thaksin and his Puea Thai and [dissolved] Thai Rak Thai parties for having helped him win the last election,” he said.

Mr Chuan said the government had taken a proper retaliatory action by recalling the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh.

Meanwhile, the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains normal on Friday and there is no sign that Cambodian troops are being reinforced, 2nd Army commander Lt-Gen Weewalit Chornsamrit said.

Relations between local people in border villages of the two countries were unchanged.

Lt-Gen Weewalit said that there is still no plan to close the border. The army commander-in-chief chief had ordered his troops to maintain good relations with Cambodia.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai said the Ministry of Commerce has no plan to recall its commercial attaché to Cambodia for the time being.

“Traditionally, there will be no recall of the commercial attaché as the recall of Thailand’s ambassador to Cambodia is clear and strong enough to show the country’s disagreement with the appointment of Thaksin as an economic adviser to Hun Sen,” she said.

Meanwhile, a core leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang condemned Hun Sen for interfering in Thailand’s internal affairs and impugning its judicial system.

Maj Gen Chamlong asked the international community to condemn the Cambodian government and apply pressure for it to extradite Thaksin to Thailand if he turns up there.

He also condemned Thaksin, accusing him of treachery in using a neighbouring nation to help push his personal political agenda in Thailand.

Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com

9

**Hun Sen raises stakes in border closure row **

Published: 9/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

PHNOM PENH : Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Cambodia this week after being named the country’s economic adviser, Prime Minister Hun Sen says.

“Thaksin will be at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Nov 12, to hold a briefing with more than 300 Cambodian economics experts,” Hun Sen said at Phnom Penh International Airport.

The visit is likely to increase tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, which have escalated since Wednesday when Cambodia announced the appointment of Thaksin as an adviser to the prime minister and the government. Both countries have since recalled their ambassadors.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said Thailand would seek the extradition of Thaksin if he was on Cambodian soil. The two countries have an extradition agreement.

Thaksin was convicted by a Thai court last year for conflict of interest in a property deal, but while on bail he fled into exile overseas.

The Foreign Ministry has to identify Thaksin’s exact location and then contact the Office of the Attorney-General to start the extradition process.

The ministry will use its diplomatic channels to contact the Cambodian government on the extradition.

Chief prosecutor for foreign affairs Sirisak Tiyaphan said the OAG would speed up the process if it was contacted by the ministry. But he indicated it could be hard to pin down Thaksin’s exact whereabouts.

Mr Abhisit said Thaksin’s extradition would rest with Cambodia.

Hun Sen refused to say exactly when Thaksin would arrive.

Cambodia said last week the charges against Thaksin were “politically motivated” and vowed not to extradite him if he travelled to the country.

“Please let Thaksin share my burden of boosting the economy of Cambodia,” Hun Sen appealed to Thais yesterday.

But the Cambodian prime minister also downplayed tensions at the border, announcing the withdrawal of elite paratroopers from disputed territory near Preah Vihear temple.

“After examining the situation at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, the situation was quiet,” he said. "So I announce the withdrawal of special paratroopers from the area at Preah Vihear temple, and their return to the headquarters.

“The implementation will be finished within a week.”

Hun Sen, however, left open the possibility of shutting the border entirely, responding to a threat made by Thailand last week.

“If you want to close, close it. The loss will be mutual,” said Hun Sen, pointing out that Thailand had more to lose in terms of border trade profit.

“If Thais want to close the border, Cambodia will follow. If Thais close the border, all trade between Cambodia and Thailand will be cut off.”

Commander Chab Pheakdey, head of the paratrooper unit, refused to divulge the number of soldiers that would be withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the Thai cabinet will officially scrap a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia on an overlapping maritime boundary tomorrow, a Foreign Ministry source said.

The memo is a framework for officials to negotiate demarcation of the area in the Gulf of Thailand and on joint deals to develop gas and oil there.
The end of the agreement does not take immediate effect as Thailand is required to inform Cambodia three months in advance of the decision.
Parliament is also debating its response to the row.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

10

Published: 10/11/2009 at 11:13 AM
Online news: Local News

Fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday morning to carry out his new role as economic adviser to the government, the Cambodian government said.

Cambodia announced Thaksin’s appointment last week, sparking a dispute that has led Thailand and Cambodia to recall their respective ambassadors and has deepened tensions after a series of deadly border clashes in the past year.

Thailand has also said it could seal the frontier if Thaksin is not extradited, but Cambodian ministry of foreign affairs spokesman Kuoy Kong said his country was “not concerned about these issues”.

"We will not extradite him (Thaksin). We already clarified this case because he is a political victim,‘’ Kuoy Kong said on Tuesday.

Thaksin is living in foreign locations including Dubai to avoid a two-year jail term for conflict of interest while prime minister handed down by the Supreme Court in September 2008. He sksipped bail before the veredict was announced.

He justified his trip to Cambodia – whose prime minister Hun Sen is a close friend and political ally – in an open letter published on his website late Monday.

“I am not helping Cambodia to compete with Thailand. I will never do things to hurt my country no matter how badly I disagree with the government,” he said.

Thaksin Shinawatra (C) walks to a car at the Phnom Penh military air base on Tuesday morning. He landed in the Cambodian capital to carry out his new role as economics adviser to the government. (AFP Photo)

Thaksin, the former owner of Manchester City football club, was due to give a a speech to hundreds of Cambodian economics experts in the capital on Thursday. He has not said how long he will be in Phnom Penh.

Thaksin won two elections and remains a massively influential figure in Thai politics, stirring up mass protests by so-called “Red Shirt” supporters against the current government.

His presence on Thailand’s doorstep is the closest he has come since he last fled the country in August 2008.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government has already given instructions to begin seeking the extradition of Thaksin from Cambodia.

Mr Abhisit was speaking after receiving confirmation that the fugitive politician had arrived at Phnom Penh airport this morning.

He admitted it would be difficult since Thaksin’s exact whereabouts were not known, and particularly so if the former prime minister made only brief visits.

The prime minister called on the Cambodian government to think again why so many things that have caused Thai-Cambodian relations to deteriorate happened during the past two weeks.

Mr Abhisit also threatened to review the two countries’ extradition treaty if Cambodia fails to comply.

“Cambodia must realise that they have triggered a conflict of interest and criticised the Thai judicial system,” he told reporters.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet had also agreed to cancel an oil and gas exploration deal with Cambodia that was signed during Thaksin’s time in power.

Mr Abhisit stressed that the cabinet decision to revoke a memorandum of understading with Cambodia involved only the disputed maritime boundery area, not the disputed border area surrounding Phreah Vihear temple.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

11

**Borders will remain open, says Suthep **

Published: 11/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Thailand has asked the Cambodian authorities to arrest former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following his arrival in Phnom Penh yesterday.

Thaksin Shinawatra arrives in Phnom Penh yesterday to take up his posts as economic adviser to the Cambodian government and personal adviser to PrimeMinister Hun Sen.

A source at the Foreign Ministry said the request from the Office of the Attorney-General had been forwarded to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh along with details of the 2008 court ruling which found Thaksin guilty of corruption.

The request for Thaksin’s arrest would be conveyed to the Cambodian government no later than today, the source said.

The move is the first step in the process of having the ousted prime minister returned to Thailand to serve his two-year jail term. The call for his “provisional arrest” would soon be followed by an extradition request, the source said.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Thaksin in October last year to two years in jail after finding him guilty of a conflict of interest involving the 2003 Ratchadaphisek land purchase case.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the Thai government would wait for Phnom Penh’s response to the request for Thaksin’s arrest before deciding on its next move.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong yesterday ruled out the extradition of Thaksin.

He said: “We will not extradite him. We already clarified this case because he is a political victim.”

Thaksin landed at Phnom Penh International Airport in a private jet and was escorted into the capital in a convoy under tight security.

“Thaksin is here for the economy and no activities related to politics,” Cambodian cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan said. “It is an honour for Cambodia’s economic sector and we hope that Cambodians nationwide welcome him warmly.”

Thaksin is expected to stay for a few days and is due to address 300 Cambodian economists in Phnom Penh tomorrow as part of his new post.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last month asked Thaksin to become an economic adviser to his government.

State television yesterday showed Thaksin and Hun Sen embracing. The Cambodian leader reportedly pronounced him an “eternal friend” as well as “the best adviser with economic leadership”.

Thaksin reportedly thanked Hun Sen for offering him the post of economic adviser and said “nothing can compare” to his excitement in taking up the new role.

Hun Sen and Thaksin were seen laughing and chatting at a house specially prepared for the exiled leader, but Thaksin said on Twitter he was “really homesick”.

“Tonight I will dine with Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family. I want to reiterate that nation, religion and monarchy are always in my mind,” Thaksin wrote.

Phay Siphan said Hun Sen would host a lunch today for Thaksin “because the two leaders are close friends”.

“He is coming to give a lecture only, so I believe that he will not do anything related to political activity here,” Phay Siphan told reporters.

Thailand and Cambodia recalled their ambassadors last week in an escalating row over Thaksin. His presence on Thailand’s doorstep is the closest he has come to his homeland since he left in August 2008.

Despite the growing diplomatic tension, Mr Abhisit and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday said Thailand would not close its border with Cambodia.

Mr Suthep, who supervises security affairs, said the border crossing would not be sealed because people on either side were related and they deserved to live a normal life.

However, the Thai government would continue to stress that Thaksin was using Cambodia as a base to hurt the Kingdom, he said.

“We must tell the world community that we love peace and want to maintain friendship with neighbouring countries,” Mr Suthep said.

“But the government of the neighbouring country happens to accommodate the one who is hurting our country, hurting our people and hurting our (royal) institution. We must speak out.”

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

12

Published: 11/11/2009 at 09:45 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

An official letter requesting the extradition of fugitive politician Thaksin Shinawatra will be forwarded to Cambodia’s foreign ministry this morning, Chalothorn Phaowibul, Thailand’s charge d’affaires in Cambodia, said on Wednesday.

“After receiving the letter last night, I immediately contacted Cambodia’s foreign ministry to forward the reques, but the ministry said it was inconvenient to accept the letter at night,” Mr Chalothorn said on Wednesday morning.

He had no idea for how long Thaksin will stay in Cambodia. He said the Thai embassy will not be able to observe Thaksin’s meeting with Cambodian economists on Thursday as it was not invited.

Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com

13

Published: 11/11/2009 at 01:27 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called for an urgent meeting with his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and three other ministers after Cambodia rejected the Thai government’s request for extradition of fugitive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra.

Other ministers at the meeting were Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, Energy Minister Wannarat Channukul and PM’s Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey.

Reporters were given no indication what they would discuss as the men went in to the meeting.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

14

Published: 11/11/2009 at 02:07 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban reaffirmed on Wednesday Thailand will not resort to closing its border with Cambodia, which has rejected its request to extradite Thaksin Shinawatra.

He declined to comment on the Cambodian refusal, saying he would rather wait to see the official reply letter than engaging in a verbal spat through the media.

There were international diplomatic channels that could be followed in this matter, Mr Suthep said.

Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said the Thai government would not resort “special” measures, such as sending forces into Cambodia to bring Thaksin back to Thailand, because each country has its own sovereignty to protect.

What Thailand could do now was to send an official letter explaining to Cambodia that Thaksin is a criminal, not political, convict and that the two countries have an extradition treaty and should comply with it, he said.

Asked about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s challenging Thailand to close the border, Mr Suthep said a politician’s expression of emotion could not be taken seriously.

He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s policy is for security agencies to protect Thai sovereignty and make sure that the people along the border can lead happy, normal lives.

People on both sides had relatives across the border who and maintained commercial links Their daily lives should not be disturbed by a conflict between governments, Mr Suthep said.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

15

Published: 11/11/2009 at 03:27 PM
Online news: Local News

All cooperation with Cambodia is being revised following Phnom Penh’s official refusal of request to extradite former premier Thaksin Shinawatra back to Thailand, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday.

The Foreign Ministry had been instructed to begin the review.

We was sorry Cambodia had decided not abide by international agreements and law, but Thailand would still not use force against its neighbour.

The border would not be closed, but the government would adopt tougher measures to discourage Thais crossing the border to gamble in Cambodian casinos.

Mr Abhisit spoke shortly after receiving Cambodia’s official refusal of Thailand’s request to extradite Thaksin. The decision has inflamed tensions over Phnom Penh’s appointment of the fugitive former Thai premier as an economic adviser.

Thai diplomats gave extradition papers to officials at Cambodia’s foreign affairs ministry early Wednesday but were then handed a note from Phnom Penh denying their request.

“Our diplomatic note answering them is nothing beyond rejecting the extradition request,” Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said shortly before the exchange of letters.

Cambodia had repeatedly vowed to refuse any request from its larger neighbour for the extradition of Thaksin, saying that the charges levelled against him in Thailand were politically motivated.

"Thaksin’s conviction is caused by the coup in September 2006, when he was the prime minister of Thailand whom Thai people voted in with an overwhelming majority in accordance with democracy,‘’ Hor Namhong said.

Pinich Wikitset, assistant to the foreign minister, confirmed that the Foreign Ministry had received a letter from Cambodia refusing extradition.

Mr Panich said the letter stressed that Cambodia cannot send Thaksin to Thailand because the former Thai prime minister was a political, not criminal, convict.

The government would hold a meeting to assess the development. At this stage, the Foreign Ministry would send a reply to Cambodia reaffirming that the court case in which Thaksin was sentenced to two years in jail was criminal, not political.

The verdict against Thaksin issued by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions clearly states that Thaksin committed a criminal offence while holding the office of prime minister of Thailand, Mr Panich said.

Mr Panich said Thailand had not yet considered closing the border with Cambodia or taking other measures to pressure Cambodia.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban reaffirmed on Wednesday Thailand will not resort to closing its border with Cambodia.

He declined to comment on the Cambodian refusal, saying he would rather wait to see the official reply letter than engaging in a verbal spat through the media.

There were international diplomatic channels that could be followed in this matter, Mr Suthep said.

Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said the Thai government would not resort “special” measures, such as sending forces into Cambodia to bring Thaksin back to Thailand, because each country has its own sovereignty to protect.

What Thailand could do now was to send an official letter explaining to Cambodia that Thaksin is a convicted criminal, not a political refugee, and that the two countries have an extradition treaty and should comply with it, he said.

Asked about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s challenging Thailand to close the border, Mr Suthep said a politician’s expression of emotion could not be taken seriously.

He said Mr Abhisit’s policy is for security agencies to protect Thai sovereignty and make sure that the people along the border can lead happy, normal lives.

Tensions were already running high between the two countries following a series of clashes over a temple on their border and the row threatens to mar a weekend summit of Southeast Asian leaders with US President Barack Obama.

Thailand and Cambodia each recalled their ambassadors last week after Thaksin’s appointment, and this week the Thai cabinet agreed to cancel a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia on disputed maritime boundaries, covering oil and gas exploration, signed by the Thaksin government in 2001.

Thaksin is due to give a speech to about 300 Cambodian economics experts on Thursday. Cambodian officials have said he will stay in the country for two or three days but is not intending to live there.

Cambodian state television late Tuesday showed Thaksin and Hun Sen embracing, reporting that the Cambodian leader pronounced him an “eternal friend”.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

16

Published: 12/11/2009 at 12:03 PM
Online news: Asia

Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra accused his country’s leaders of “false patriotism” as he delivered a lecture in his new role as Cambodia’s economic adviser Thursday.

File photo shows Thailand’s ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra giving a speech in Jakarta. Thaksin accused Thailand’s rulers of “false patriotism” as he delivered a lecture in his new role as Cambodia’s economic adviser Thursday.

The billionaire, ousted in a 2006 coup and living abroad to avoid jail for graft, addressed some 300 members of business and government at Cambodia’s finance ministry amid tensions over Phnom Penh’s refusal to extradite him.

“I see a lot of synergy between your country and mine. What is good for you will also be good for my country. Of course not all my compatriots see it that way right now,” Thaksin said.

“I do not believe those who do not share our vision right now are myopic.
Their domestic political compulsions force them to false patriotism. Let’s pray that they too will one day appreciate this partnership for the best,” he added.

Security officials ushered reporters out of the room three minutes into the Thaksin lecture titled, “Cambodia and the World after the Financial Crisis”.

Cambodia outraged Thailand on Wednesday by rejecting its request to extradite Thaksin, saying the charges on which the ousted Thai leader had been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison were politically motivated.

Cambodian Finance Minister Keat Chhon praised Thaksin’s reduction of rural poverty and introduction of universal healthcare in Thailand as “eye-catching policies that distinguished him from his predecessors”.

After his lecture Thaksin planned to visit the famed Angkor Wat temple and may play golf with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, said cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan.

He has been warmly received by close ally Hun Sen, although Cambodian officials have said he will only stay in the country for two or three days and is not intending to live there. Profile: Thaksin’s political life
When Thai diplomats handed over papers for Thaksin’s extradition on Wednesday, Cambodian officials promptly handed them back a formal refusal letter.

In Bangkok, about 120 members of Rak Chart (Love the Nation) 52 group led by Kraiwan Kasemsing on Thursday morning demonstrated against the Cambodian government and Prime Minister Hun Sen in front of Cambodian embassy, Wang Thonglang police said.

“Hun Sen has looked down upon Thailand by appointing ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser,” Mr Kraiwan said.

Cambodia’s refusal to extradite Thaksin to Thailand was also an act of disrespect to all Thai people.

The protesters handed a letter demanding Cambodia stop interfering in the internal affairs of Thailand to an embassy official and then peacefully dispersed about 9.30am.

Dozens of police were deployed at the building.

Thailand and Cambodia recalled their ambassadors last week as the quarrel escalated. Bangkok also put all talks and cooperation programmes on hold and tore up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin’s time in power.

Prime Minister Abhisit earlier condemned Cambodia’s refusal to send Thaksin back, and said he had halted aid programmes for the neighbouring country, which is still impoverished after decades of war.

Tensions were already high between the two nations following a series of clashes over disputed territory near an ancient temple and the row threatens to mar a weekend summit of regional leaders with US President Barack Obama.

Twice-elected Thaksin fled Thailand in August 2008, a month before a court sentenced him to two years in jail in a conflict of interest case. He had returned to Thailand just months earlier for the first time since the coup.

But he has retained huge influence in Thai politics by stirring up protests against the current government, and analysts said that in his close friend Hun Sen he had found a new way of pushing his campaign for a return to power.

Thailand’s government upped the pressure on Thaksin this week by accusing him of offending the revered monarchy after he was quoted by the website of British newspaper The Times as calling for reform of royal institutions.

Defaming the monarchy, led by 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is a crime punishable by up to 15 years in jail in Thailand. The king has been in hospital since September with a lung and chest infection.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

17

**Kasit quits Apec, rushes home for talks with PM **

Published: 13/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have plunged even further after the two countries expelled senior diplomatic staff.

The orders came yesterday on the day Thailand decided to review a 1.4 billion baht soft loan to fund a road project linking Surin to Siem Reap.

The review was in retaliation for Phnom Penh’s refusal to extradite convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Acting Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Kamrob Palawatwicha, the first secretary at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, was declared “persona non grata” yesterday and ordered to leave the country within 48 hours. Mr Kamrob was still in the Cambodian capital yesterday.

“We expelled the diplomat first, and they responded by asking our first secretary to leave their country within the next 48 hours,” Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said.

“The Thai diplomat has executed work in contradiction to his position,” he said, but refused to give further details.

Doctor Thaksin addresses Cambodians on their economy.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Singapore that Thailand ordered Seng Leena, the first secretary of the Cambodian embassy, to leave Thailand in retaliation for the Cambodian decision.

A Thai Foreign Ministry official familiar with the Cambodian issue noted that Phnom Penh’s decision was a direct test of Thailand’s nerve to see if it would carry out more aggressive diplomacy.

“But the Thai position is, we will use the same measures to counter Cambodia,” said the official who requested anonymity.

Despite the latest diplomatic row, Mr Kasit remained confident deteriorating ties could be contained and Thailand would not lose its composure.

He did not rule out more measures to come from Cambodia, saying the diplomatic expulsion could only be “an hors d’oeuvre”.

Concerned about the worsening ties with Cambodia, Mr Kasit decided to cancel his appointments in Singapore and return to Bangkok for discussions with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr Kasit insisted an end to the conflict had to come from Cambodia and warned of other measures to counter any move from Phnom Penh.

“This problem was started by Phnom Penh and has to be ended by Phnom Penh,” he said.

He also held talks with Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister, Sam Abal, to explain the situation concerning Thaksin who had said earlier he had a gold concession in the country. Thaksin visited the South Pacific state last month.

Deputy Finance Minister Pruektichai Damrongrut said in Bangkok the review of the loan for the road project was a further move by the government to protest against Phnom Penh’s actions on Thaksin.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the fate of the soft loan, which had been approved by the cabinet, was hanging in balance.

He said another Cambodian request for 31 million baht to fund another road project was likely to be withdrawn from the cabinet agenda.

Mr Suthep also dismissed as “highly unlikely” speculation the diplomatic spat centred on Thaksin would lead to a House dissolution or the collapse of the coalition government.

“Phnom Penh has no right to do anything which will have such a tremendous impact on our country - this is an internal affair,” he said.

Mr Suthep called on the public to exercise patience and refrain from any move which could lead to violence.

His message was for the anti-Thaksin People’s Alliance for Democracy supporters who will hold a rally in Bangkok on Sunday.

Speaking after a meeting of the National Security Council, Mr Abhisit reiterated that Cambodia had interfered in Thailand’s judicial system and offered Thaksin a job which involved a conflict of interest.

Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, last Thursday in protest against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s appointment of Thaksin as an adviser. Cambodia countered by ordering its ambassador, You Aye, to return home.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

18

Published: 13/11/2009 at 03:35 PM
Online news: Local News

Cambodian police have charged a Thai man with spying on fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, further inflaming a diplomatic crisis between the neighbouring countries.

The spy row erupted as Thaksin played a relaxed round of golf with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, underscoring Bangkok’s powerlessness to make Phnom Penh extradite the fugitive politician to serve a jail term for conflict of interest while prime minister.

Siwarak Chothipong, a 31-year-old employee of the Cambodia Air Traffic Service, which manages flights in the country, was accused of stealing Thaksin’s flight schedule and sending it diplomats at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodian deputy police chief Lt-Gen Sok Phal said on Friday.

Lt-Gen Sok Phal alleged that Siwarak handed over the flight schedule to the first secretary at the Thai embassy, who was then ordered by Cambodia on Thursday to leave the country on Thursday for carrying out activities inconsistent with his official duties.

Thailand responded on Thursday by ordering out the first secretary of Cambodia’s mission in Bangkok.

Mr Siwarak appeared in municipal court on Thursday and was charged with stealing information that could impact national security. If found guilty, he faces up to 15 years in jail.

Officials said police were investigating whether more people were involved.

Thailand rejected the “malicious” allegations against its citizen.

“It’s not true. It is a malicious and false claim,” Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told reporters before boarding a flight with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to attend the Apec regional summit in Singapore.

Mr Kasit said he believed Mr Siwarak had been framed. He affirmed that the Foreign Ministry would ensure he receives proper treatment and justice.

As for Thai staff at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, Mr Kasit said the Cambodian government was duty-bound to ensure their safety. Thailand accepts the same responsibility for staff at the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok.

Mr Kasit said problems caused by the former Thaksin regime were still far from at an end. Thaksin was now using a neighbouring country as a base in his efforts to topple the Abhisit government, serving his own interests and causing damage to Thailand without any care for the majority of people.

Cambodia expelled the Thai first secretary and Thailand reciprocated on Thursday in a sign of the growing tensions caused by the Cambodian government’s appointment of Thaksin earlier this month as an economic adviser.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday the Thai military attache would remain in Phnom Penh.

Military ties must remain in place as a channel for negotiatons to prevent tension along the border, he said.

He again gave an assruance the government would not let the problems affect the daily lives of Thai people living along the border with Cambodia.

He said Phnom Penh’s demand that the Thai government sack Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya was out of line. This was an internal matter for Thailand and a foreign government had no say in it.

Mr Suthep said the government was being careful not to stir up too much among pariotism or people might not act rationally.

He was responding to a question about reports that SMS messages had been sent to Cambodian people not to use products made in Thailand.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday to take up the role and Hun Sen on Wednesday rejected Bangkok’s formal extradition request for Thaksin.

The countries had already recalled their ambassadors last week.

Thaksin on Friday met a group of supporters before playing golf with Hun Sen in the tourist hub of Siem Reap. Hun Sen and Cambodian officials laughed and applauded Thaksin’s shot as he teed off first at the luxury Angkor Golf Resort.

He was later due to meet around 50 MPs from Thailand’s main pro-Thaksin party, Puea Thai, who had crossed the border Friday, Puea Thai lawmaker Pongpan Sunthornrachai said.

Thaksin hit out at the Thai government during a lecture in the capital Phnom Penh on Thursday, accusing Thai rulers of “false patriotism”.

Thaksin has pledged to help impoverished Cambodia understand finance, reduce poverty and lure more foreign investment. Cambodian officials have indicated he would leave the country Friday or Saturday and was not intending to live there.

Abhisit on Thursday ordered a review of two road construction projects with Cambodia that involved loans of more than 1.4 billion baht (42 million dollars) to Phnom Penh, the finance ministry said.

Thailand has already put all talks and cooperation programmes with Cambodia on hold and also tore up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin’s time in power.

Tensions were already high between the two countries following a series of clashes over disputed territory near an ancient temple and the row threatens to mar a weekend summit of regional leaders with US President Barack Obama.

Twice-elected Thaksin fled Thailand in August 2008, a month before the Supreme Court sentenced him to two years in jail in a conflict of interest criminal case.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

19

Published: 14/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s private jet was denied a permit to fly over Thailand en route to Cambodia, where he arrived on Tuesday, according to a source.

The request was filed with the Department of Civil Aviation under the Transport Ministry two weeks ago and passed on to the air force.

“The air force received a report from the department and rejected the request,” said the source.

Thaksin’s plane was forced to take another flight path.

The comment came after Cambodian authorities accused Thailand of spying.

A Thai engineer at Cambodia Air Traffic Services was arrested by Cambodian police on charges of spying.

Cambodia, meanwhile, accused the Thai air force of violating Cambodia’s airspace.

Siwarak Chotphong was accused of stealing flight information on Thaksin’s journey from Cambodia, and supplying it to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

Cambodia’s national police spokesman Kirt Chantharith said Mr Siwarak was charged with releasing information related to Cambodia’s national security.

“He tried to search for information related to Thaksin’s flight so he could send it out of the country,” he said.

Police were investigating whether more people were involved.

Cambodian deputy national police chief Sok Phal said the spy allegations prompted Phnom Penh to expel the Thai embassy’s first secretary Kamrob Palawatwicha on Thursday.

“The first secretary ordered the man to copy the schedule of Thaksin’s return flight, and that’s why he was expelled,” Sok Phal said.

The Foreign Ministry and the air force denied the charges.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the arrest was an act of intimidation and Thaksin had caused a lot of trouble for the two countries.

"The spying claim is malicious and false.

“Thaksin feels he must destroy Thailand and collaborate with Hun Sen,” Mr Kasit said.

He had told the Thai embassy to Cambodia to look after Mr Siwarak, who had been detained and questioned by Cambodian authorities.

Mr Kasit said there are now seven staff members left working at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian government is obligated to ensure their safety.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government would take care of Mr Siwarak in the same way it treated all Thais facing legal charges abroad.

Air force spokesman Gp Capt Monthon Satchukorn said the air force had always strictly complied with aviation regulations and never intruded in Cambodia’s airspace.

“And in the current situation we are taking extra precautions to avoid provocation,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday met army chief Anupong Paojinda and deputy army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Gen Anupong also called a meeting with 2nd Army commander Lt Gen Vivalit Chornsamrit and senior officers to discuss the government’s stand towards Cambodia.

*Bron: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *

20

Published: 14/11/2009 at 11:36 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

Fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawtra has late Saturday morning left Phnom Penh for Dubai.

He had completed his first mission as an economic advisor to the Cambodian government by briefing his economic plans on economic and rural development and poverty problem solving to Cambodian economists on Thursday.

On Friday morning, Thaksin played golf with Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen in Siam Reap.

After that he welcomed about 70 MPs of the opposition Puea Thai Party and a large number of red-shirts from Thailand.

*Bon: Bangkok Post / www.bangkokpost.com *