Friday, February 5, 2010

Suthep won't welcome Hun Sen

5/02/2010
Bangkok Post

The Si Sa Ket governor and the commander of Army Region 2 (Northeast) will greet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen when he makes a planned visit to the disputed border area near Preah Vihear temple this weekend, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday morning.

“Hun Sen has the right to visit the area but he cannot claim rights over it,” Mr Suthep said, adding that he would not be present to welcome the Cambodian leader.

He had no confirmation of media reports that fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is economic adviser to the Cambodian government, would join in the trip.

Mr Suthep said he hoped Veera Somkwamkid, a key leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, would drop his plan to lead PAD members in a protest against Hun Sen during the visit.

“Mr Veera should refrain from causing more problems as it is the responsibility of the government to settle border disputes with our neighbour,” he said.

The government would continue to ensure the safety of people living along the Thai-Cambodia border.

Noppadon Pattama, a lawyer for the Shinawatra family, said Thaksin would not accompany Hun Sen.

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