Thailand Reviews Relationship with Cambodia

UPDATE : 6 November 2009
Source: thailandoutlook

The prime minister has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recall its ambassador to Cambodia, as a response to the appointment of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor by the Cambodian government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a statement in response to the appointment of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor by the Cambodian government.

The statement is as follows:

1.) The government has pointed out to the government of Cambodia on many occasions that the relationship between the two countries precedes any personal relationships.

2.) The proceedings by the government of Cambodia regarding Thaksin cannot be distinguished from the relationship between the two countries.

This also affects the sentiment of Thai people as Thaksin is a convicted fugitive who still has roles in Thai politics.

3.) The appointment of Thaksin as an economic advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian government is considered to be interference in Thailand's internal matters. This also shows that Cambodian government honors personal relations over the international relations.

4.) The government of Thailand cannot afford to stand idle on this issue, as the opinion of the Thai people must be taken into consideration.

5.) Therefore, the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia must be reviewed thought these actions: the recall of the Ambassador of Thailand from Phnom Penh; the review of commitments between Thailand and Cambodia; the review of development cooperation between the two countries.

And Thailand is reluctantly carrying out this action as it has always sought to cooperate with the government of Cambodia to raise the standard of living of the Cambodian people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said that the announcement made by the Cambodian government implicates the judicial system of Thailand, and effects public sentiment in the country.

He has ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond diplomatically.

Abhisit insists that this is merely a reaction from Thailand and it will not significantly affect the relationship of the people of the two countries.

Abhisit has also said that the cross-border trade is continuing as normal.

However, the cooperation between the two countries must be reviewed.

The government of Cambodia must explain its actions as they pertain to Thailand's judicial system.