Wednesday, 7 October 2009

Thai PM Argues with Pheu Thai Party MP over Criticism of Hun Sen


Written by DAP NEWS -- Tuesday, 06 October 2009
(Post by CAAI News Media)

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday questioned the motive of Pheu Thai Party MP Chalerm Yoobamrung in sending to Cambodian PM Hun Sen an audio clip of Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya criticizing Hun Sen, accor-ding the Nation Thai media agency on Monday.

“I have no idea why he would do that, and Chalerm has to answer why. The audio tape was old,” the premier was quoted by the agency as saying. Abhisit downplayed consequences of Chalerm’s move, saying what he did would not adversely affect the bilateral relations between the two countries. Whenever he met Hun Sen, they enjoyed amicable relations, the PM claimed.

“Hun Sen told me not to let Preah Vihear become an obstacle to other bilateral cooperation,’’ he said. The Nation mistakenly referred to Cambodia’s Preah Vihear as a “disputed temple.”

Koy Kuong, a spokesperson at Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on Monday could not give details related to this problem. “I cannot give any details as this problem is internal political issue among Thailand Government leaders,” said Koy Kuong. “Some criticism made by the Thai foreign minister to the premier in the past were for apologized by Kasit.”

Thepthai Senpong, personal spok- esman of the Democrat Party leader, attacked Chalerm, saying the politician was putting the country at stake to fulfill his political ambition. “Look back at our history. Ayutthya collapsed because Thais acted as spies for the enemy. Is Chalerm acting like that?’’ he asked the Nation.

“Chalerm, do you love the country? Are you still Thai? If what you are doing causes conflict that cannot be resolved, how will you take responsibility for your actions?’’ he asked.

Thepthai also defended Kasit, saying the tape featuring Kasit’s stance was recorded before he assumed the foreign portfolio.

Sathit Pitutecha, Democrat Party executive, said Chalerm criticized the prime minister as being immature; but his action in sending the audio clip to Hun Sen showed Chalerm acted like a primary school student.

Some political analysts said that the political tension is Thailand is increasing as the two powerful party leaders clash, especially over the Khmer Preah Vihear Temple.

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