Two chiefs still head border relations

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thursday, 29 October 2009 15:03 Thet Sambath

TWO military officials appointed earlier this year to the same position within a Banteay Meanchey province border relations office remain on the job but in different locations, officials said Wednesday.

Pol Sinoun, nephew of RCAF Commander in Chief Pol Saroeun, was appointed head of the Thailand-Cambodia Relations Office in June. Three months later, the Ministry of Defence announced that Prime Minister Hun Sen’s nephew, Dy Phen, would head the office.

Tale of two offices

Rather than clarify who officially heads the office, the government has allowed both men to continue to hold the post but operate out of different offices and report to different superiors.

“Another office was opened about a kilometre away from the old office we are working in,” said Tim Sareth, deputy chief of the Thailand-Cambodia Relations Office, who added that Pol Sinoun continues to operate out of the original office in Poipet commune.

Pol Sinoun said Wednesday that despite the overlap of offices, he continues to report to the RCAF High Command, whereas Dy Phen reports to the Ministry of Defence.

“There is no problem because we report to different places,” Pol Sinoun said.

An official who refused to be named said Wednesday that Thai officials consult only with Pol Sinoun because they have worked together for many years and have not been given instructions to consult with Dy Phen.

Dy Phen could not be reached for comment Wednesday.