8/11/2009
Bangkok Post
"Prime Minister Hun Sen always said that we should look at the future. But he usually raised the issues relating to Thaksin when he earlier said he will not allow friendship to be more important than the Thai-Cambodian ties ... The foreign policy must show mutual sincerity and respect" - Abhisit
The Thai-Cambodian diplomatic dispute turned sour after opposition Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh met Cambodia's Prime MinisterHun Sen in Phnom Penh last month, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr Abhisit arrived in Bangkok on Sunday morning after attending the first ever Japan-Mekong Summit in Tokyo.
He said in his weekly broadcast that the ties between the two countries had worsened because of former prime minister Chavalit's trip to Phnom Penh and the appointment of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra as Prime Minister Hun Sen's personal advisor.
"There have been criticisms over Thai politics and justice system. Thai people cannot accept this and we must protect our country's justice institution," Prime Minister Abhisit said.
However, Mr Abhisit said, the Cambodian government could be misinformed because the rulings in many cases had been in line with the law and facts.
Even Thaksin used the Thai legal system to take legal action against others, he said.
Appointing Thaksin as Cambodia's economic advisor would directly affect some of the bilateral agreements as they were made when he was prime minister.
Since Thaksin became an advisor to another side, it was necessary for the government to downgrade its diplomatic relations with the neighbouring country by recalling the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh back, Mr Abhisit said.
"This is considered normal, as we have to protect Thai people's honour. But we have to be prudent and cautious at the same time," he said.
He said the government had to be careful to prevent conflicts between Thai and Cambodian people along the border areas. The problems between both countries must be addressed through peaceful means.
"There is no reason to resort to violence, and trading between the two countries are still normal," he said.
The government had to assure the safety of Thai people in Cambodia after the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh was recalled back last week.
"Thai people who want to play gambling in the neighbouring country should wait until the situation is restored."
He insisted the negotiation frameworks with other neighbouring countries must not be halted.
The Japan-Mekong Summit resolved that all countries must respect each other while promoting good relations and sincerity. The government had to make sure that problems would not arise from the Thai-Cambodian dispute during the upcoming US-Asean Summit.
"I urge Thai people to show their stance by being good neighbours and sincere. I do not want Thailand to be at a disadvantage or discredited, and we have to join hands to protect the country's benefits," the premier said.
"Prime Minister Hun Sen always said that we should look at the future. But he usually raised the issues relating to Thaksin when he earlier said he will not allow friendship to be more important than the Thai-Cambodian ties," Mr Abhisit said. "The foreign policy must show mutual sincerity and respect."
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