Thaksin says no to Cambodia, report says

Wednesday, 04 November 2009
by Vong Sokheng and Sam Rith
Phnom Penh Post

OUSTED former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra won’t accept an offer of sanctuary in Cambodia because he does not want to spark problems between the neighbouring countries, according to a media report published even as another protest reportedly flared outside the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok this week.

The chairman of Thai opposition party Puea Thai told the Bangkok Post that Thaksin will not reside in the Kingdom, despite an offer from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“I had asked [Thaksin] why he did not stay in the neighbouring country ... but he said no,” the paper quoted General Chavalit Yongchaiyuth as saying.

Thaksin told Chavalit, “Staying in Cambodia could lead to many problems for Thailand”, according to the newspaper.

Hun Sen sparked the latest row between the two countries by offering the ousted former Thai leader a home in Cambodia last month.

The Thai reaction was swift, accusing the premier of meddling in Thailand’s affairs and pledging to seek Thaksin’s extradition should he ever come to Cambodia. Meanwhile, government officials said 300 Thai Yellow Shirt protesters demonstrated in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok on Monday, demanding that RCAF troops withdraw from the Preah Vihear temple area.

“Their demands are not acceptable,” said Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong.Also on Monday, a group of 15 Yellow Shirt protesters tried to enter the area but were blocked by Thai troops, according to RCAF Division 3 commander Srey Doek.