A method in Hun Sen’s madness?

Saturday November 14, 2009

Thai Takes

By PHILIP GOLINGAI

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

As Phnom Penh fetes Thaksin Shinawatra, Thais can only ponder the wisdom of the action.

POP quiz: Why did Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen poke Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in the eye by hosting the latter’s arch-rival Thaksin Shinawatra in Phnom Penh and rejecting Thailand’s request for extraditing his guest who faces a two-year jail term back home?

(a) Hun Sen was already in politics when Abhisit was still a child.

(b) Hun Sen is not worried about the Abhisit government shutting the Thai-Cambodian border as Cambodia would reciprocate by not allowing even one pig to cross the border.

Good buddies: Hun Sen (left) meeting Thaksin in Phnom Penh on Tuesday. — AFP

(c) In 2008, Thailand’s exports to Cambodia were worth about US$2bil (RM6.75bil) while Cambodia’s export to Thailand was only US$90mil (RM303.8mil).

(d) Abhisit should not fear if Thaksin resides in Cambodia, as Hun Sen had appointed other foreigners (for example, Lee Myung-bak before he was elected South Korean president) as economic advisers.

(e) The self-exiled Thaksin has been travelling around the world, and Abhisit has not taken any action against countries the billionaire visited.

(f) The Red Shirts (a pro-Thaksin movement) support Thaksin’s appointment as Cambodia’s economic adviser, but the Yellow Shirts (an anti-Thaksin movement) don’t, while the other Thais are indifferent.

(g) Although Abhisit warned Hun Sen not to become a pawn in Thaksin’s game, the Cambodian premier is nobody’s tool.

(h) Thaksin is not Cambodia’s tool. Hun Sen really wants to employ Thaksin’s experience to help in Cambodia’s economic affairs.

(i) Hun Sen wants to tackle the origin of the Thai-Cambodian spat, which started when Thaksin was ousted as Prime Minister in a coup on Sept 19, 2006.

(j) Thailand has obstructed Cambodia’s bid (to declare Preah Vihear, a border temple which both Cambodia and Thailand claim is within their territory) and has the nerve to say that it has nothing to do with Cambodia.

(k) Hun Sen received two-thirds of the vote in the Cambodian parliament, whereas Abhisit “stole somebody’s chair” to seat himself in the prime minister’s chair. And Cambodia cannot respect someone who claims other people’s property as his own.

(l) Abhisit is so buried in problems himself that he may not survive politically. He has problems with all the neighbouring countries (Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar); in southern Thailand; and Yellow Shirts, Red Shirts, Blue Shirts, White Shirts and Pheu Thai (the pro-Thaksin opposition party).

(m) Thaksin is Hun Sen’s friend and a friend “cannot feed friends to the tiger”.

(n) In the past, Khieu Samphan and Noun Chea (of the Khmer Rouge) were allowed to live (given refuge) even though Thailand had signed a pact not to support the Khmer Rouge.

(o) All the above.

The answer is (o), all of the above. That’s what Hun Sen told journalists on Nov 8 at Phnom Penh airport, after returning from the Mekong-Japan summit in Tokyo.

At an official dinner there, Abhisit said he did not speak to his Cambodian counterpart because they were seated at quite a distance and there was a vase between them obstructing his view.

What did the Thai media think of Hun Sen’s explanation of the diplomatic spat which has brought relations between the two countries to an all-time low, since the 2003 burning of the Thai embassy and other Thai properties in Phnom Penh after a Thai actress was falsely reported as saying the Angkor Wat temple complex belonged to Thailand?

According to Ploenpote Atthakor, a Bangkok Post journalist, “Hun Sen, playing the Thaksin card, can take a break from questions he has been facing at home about border issues with Vietnam.”

“The arrival of Thaksin (in Phnom Penh last Tuesday) also deflects the attention of Cambodians from the ongoing trial of former Khmer Rouge cadres. After all, Hun Sen knows fully well that without a strong political opponent, his PM’s seat is more secure compared to the shaky one Abhisit is sitting on,” she opined yesterday.

In an editorial on Thursday, the Bangkok Post said there was method in Hun Sen’s madness (to some Thais, Hun Sen is mad to provoke Thailand by appointing a Thai fugitive as his economic adviser).

“As a shrewd politician and the longest-serving prime minister in this region, Hun Sen must have carefully calculated the positive and negative consequences of this game of brinkmanship he is playing with Thailand,” the newspaper editorialised.

Thaksin concludes Cambodia trip

November 14. 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra left Cambodia today, officials said, concluding a trip that has stoked a major diplomatic crisis between the two neighbours.

Thaksin, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption in Thailand, was seen by an AFP reporter departing the country this morning by private jet.

Cambodia’s deputy cabinet minister Prak Sokhon confirmed Thaksin had left, four days after arriving in the country to take up a role as economics adviser to the government.

About 50 members of parliament from Thailand’s main pro-Thaksin party, Puea Thai, who travelled to Cambodia to meet the billionaire tycoon, waved him off as his plane took off from the airport at the tourist hub of Siem Reap.

The Thai government was outraged by Thaksin’s appointment and Cambodia’s refusal to extradite him to Thailand on the grounds that his graft conviction was politically motivated.

Both countries recalled their respective ambassadors last week.

Cambodia upped the ante on Thursday, expelling the first secretary to Thailand’s embassy after the arrest of a Thai man in Phnom Penh on charges of spying on Thaksin.

Thailand reciprocated, expelling Cambodia’s first secretary from Bangkok.

The Cambodian premier Hun Sen has strongly defended his friendship with Thaksin and played a round of golf with him in Siem Reap on Friday.

Thaksin accused his foes in the incumbent Thai government of “false patriotism” during an economic lecture on Thursday in the capital Phnom Penh.

Thailand has put all talks and cooperation programmes with Cambodia on hold and has torn up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin’s time in power.

Commercial Counselor To Look After Thais In Cambodia

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SINGAPORE, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot on Friday revealed that the Office of Commercial Affairs in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh had been instructed to give a top priority to closely look after Thai families, particularly women and children, to ensure their safety in the absence of some normal consular services.

Speaking regarding news reports about Phnom Penh's arrest of a Thai man for allegedly spying on fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, he said the incident had fueled his concerns for the safety of Thais living in Cambodia.

"I'm afraid of a possible repetition of the untoward incident in 2003" Thailand News Agency (TNA) quoted Alongkorn as saying here.

The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh was burned by angry Cambodian protesters in that year.

The riots were sparked by remarks reportedly made by a Thai actress that the ancient temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia's top cultural icon, belonged to Thailand. The actress has denied making the comments.

Alongkorn said the commerce ministry is attempting to maintain trade ties between Thailand and Cambodia, and its commercial counsellor remains in Phnom Penh.

Asked about the government's plan to evacuate Thai business people in the event of violence there, he said Thai government agencies concerned had contingency plans in place.

The minister stressed that the Thai government had attempted to separate the political problem from trade and economic affairs. The Thai premier had a clear stance on countering Phnom Penh through diplomatic channels while maintaining relations in business and economic affairs.

However, he conceded that the situation, if allowed to continue unabated, could definitely affect the trade, investment and tourism of both countries.

-- BERNAMA

Former Thai PM Thaksin leaves Cambodia after controversial visit+

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 14 (AP) - (Kyodo)—Fugitive former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra left Cambodia on Saturday morning after making a surprise visit to the country following his appointment as an economic adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government, a move that drew strong protests from Bangkok.

On the eve of his departure Thaksin hosted a dinner for about 150 supporters including some 50 Thai lawmakers at a hotel in Siem Reap Province.

Hun Sen was also invited to attend the dinner. He said at the event that it is important that Thaksin be able to return to Thailand but that it "would depend on the Thai people."

Hun Sen also requested those present to convey a message to Thailand that Thaksin be allowed to return and that "you have a good neighbor, that is Cambodia, and that includes Hun Sen."

Speaking at the same event, Thaskin said his appointment is an "honor and pleasure" and that he is waiting to return to Thailand.

"Now, I'm trying my best to help Cambodia to achieve economic development. We have to build a prosperous economy for both Cambodia and Thailand, and that will correspond to Hun Sen's win-win policy," he said.

Since Thaksin's appointment and subsequent arrival in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been downgraded, with both countries having recalled their ambassadors, followed by tit-for-tat expulsions of first secretaries Thursday.

Thailand considers Thaksin a fugitive from justice.

He was convicted of conflict of interest over land dealings undertaken before he was overthrown by the military in 2006.

Cambodia argues Thaksin's conviction was politically motivated and therefore the extradition treaty between the two does not apply.

Thaksin arrived in Cambodia on Tuesday and participated in various diplomatic, economic and other events. He also had dinner and played golf with Hun Sen and toured Angkor Wat Temple in the country's northern province of Siem Reap.

Thaksin is believed to have left for an Asian country.

PM Abhisit: Thai-Cambodian diplomatic standoff must be resolved by both parties

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SINGAPORE, Nov 14 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday that the ongoing diplomatic spat between Thailand and its neighbour Cambodia will not affect cooperation among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasising that the problem must be solved by the two countries.

Mr Abhisit, now at the three-day 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Singapore, told journalists that ASEAN secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan advised that Thailand and Cambodian should resolve their tensions before ASEAN leaders meet US President Barack Obama on Sunday. He affirmed that Thailand, currently chairman and a member of ASEAN, will not raised the issue at the meeting.

Thailand and Cambodia, along with Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, are ASEAN members.

Mr Abhisit said he would confer with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the sidelines of US-ASEAN summit Sunday.

Diplomatic ties between the Cambodia and Thailand have worsened after their ambassadors were recalled, first secretaries expelled and the Cambodian government arrested a Thai man allegedly spying on fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but Thailand has said that the accusation was groundless against the Thai citizen.

Cambodia Deputy National Police Chief Lt-Gen Sok Phal was quoted by the Associated Press as saying 31-year-old Siwarak Chothipong gave Mr Thaksin’s flight schedule to the first secretary at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

Mr Abhisit said Thai government officials would try to meet detained Mr. Siwarak and ask him what charges have been leveled.

The Thai prime minister said he would be surprised if the Cambodian government refuses Thai officials an opportunity to meet Mr Siwarak, an engineer at Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS).

He added that the flight information was not considered as secret. (TNA)

Thepthai: Thaksin uses Cambodia as base

Published: 14/11/2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is using Cambodia as a political base to topple the government, Thepthai Senpong, spokesman of the Democrat Party leader, said on Saturday.

Mr Thepthai pointed out that the withdrawal of Cambodian troop along the dispute border near the Preah Vihear temple on Friday was made because Hun Sen wanted to make Thaksin a hero.

He said the fact was that there was no military tension along the Thai-Cambodian border. The accusation that

“Thai government had sent a spy to Cambodia was purely a pretext to help justify Hun Sen’s latest support for Thaksin”, he said.

Regarding the fund-raising concert to be held in Khao Yai of Nakhon Ratchasima province late this afternoon by leaders of the pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) is aimed at showing that the UDD has no money.

UDD wanted to show that Thaksin has never provided any financial support to the red-shirted people group as alleged by the Democrats.

Thaksin departs, Cambodia-Thai relations in trouble

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra (left) shakes hands with Cambodia's secretary of state council minister Prak Sokhon as he prepares to board a plane to leave Cambodia from Siem Reap International airport. Thaksin, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption in Thailand, departed Cambodia by private jet. Photo:Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AFP) - Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra left Cambodia on Saturday, ending a contentious four-day visit that deepened a diplomatic crisis between the neighbours.

Thaksin, who was toppled by a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption in Thailand, departed the tourist hub Siem Reap by private jet, Cambodia's deputy cabinet minister Prak Sokhon confirmed.

Officials would not disclose his destination. Thaksin has travelled widely since leaving Thailand for exile in August last year, but has based himself in Dubai, while continuing to have a major influence in politics in his homeland.

His visit, to take up a new role as economic adviser to the Cambodian government, created a diplomatic storm between the already bickering nations.

Bangkok was outraged by the appointment and ties plummeted further when Cambodia refused to extradite him to Thailand on the grounds that his graft conviction was politically motivated.

Both countries recalled their respective ambassadors and Thaksin hit out at the Thai government during an economic lecture in the capital Phnom Penh, accusing Thai rulers of "false patriotism".

Before his morning departure, Thaksin chatted at a hotel with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, a close ally, and political supporters who had travelled from Thailand to meet him.

Some 50 members of parliament from Thailand's main pro-Thaksin party, Puea Thai, waved him off as his plane left the airport.

Cambodia enflamed the row Thursday when it arrested a Thai man in Phnom Penh on charges of spying on Thaksin and expelled the first secretary to Thailand's embassy.

Thailand reciprocated, expelling Cambodia's first secretary from Bangkok.

Siwarak Chothipong, 31, who works for the Cambodia Air Traffic Service, is accused of supplying the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh with details of Thaksin's flight schedule, according to Cambodian police.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Thailand's foreign minister, said the ministry had submitted a request to visit the detained suspect, which Cambodia's interior ministry confirmed it was considering.

"We have to see him, whatever happens," Chavanond said. "Thailand categorically denies all of the spy allegations."

Hun Sen, who had personally invited Thaksin to Cambodia, has strongly defended his friendship with Thaksin and even played a round of golf with him in Siem Reap on Friday.

Thailand has put all talks and cooperation programmes with Cambodia on hold, torn up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin's time in power and placed under review two road-building projects worth 42 million dollars.

Chris Baker, a Bangkok-based political analyst who wrote a biography of Thaksin, said the visit had stoked a "dangerous" row between the two countries, adding Hun Sen would be unwise to fuel it further.

"If Hun Sen wants to take it further it's very easy indeed, but I can't see at the moment what the utility for him would be," said Baker.

"I think he's got it just where he wants it."

Tensions were already high between the two countries following a series of deadly military clashes over disputed territory near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple on their border.

The row comes during a weekend summit of regional leaders with US President Barack Obama, although Cambodia's foreign ministry said Friday it did not want the dispute raised during the historic meeting.

Twice-elected Thaksin fled Thailand in August 2008, a month before a court sentenced him to two years in jail in a conflict of interest case.

He had returned to Thailand just months earlier for the first time since the coup in 2006.

He has retained enormous influence in Thai politics by stirring up protests against the current government, and analysts said that in Hun Sen he had found a new way to push for a return to power.

Thai minister accuses ex-premier, Cambodia of plotting coup

http://www.investors.com/

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Nov 14, 2009 (BBC Monitoring via COMTEX) -- [Thai] Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya accused on Friday [13 November] ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra of using a helping hand from a neighbouring country as a tool to overthrow the monarchy and the government.

"The only problem now is that Thaksinocracy is still alive," Kasit said, referring to the term Thaksin's critics use for his allegedly corrupt style of rule.

Cambodia arrested and charged Siwarak Chothipong, a Thai engineer with spying on Wednesday. Kasit the minister said the arrest is nothing more than intimidation with the intention to defame Thailand.

Cambodia has charged Siwarak Chothipong, an engineer of Cambodia Air Traffic Services, for "stealing" the flight information of ex-Thai PM Shinawatra and Cambodia's PM Hun Sen.

Cambodian prosecutors alleged that Siwarak stole the information and sent it to Thai embassy's first secretary Kamrob Palawatwichai.

Cambodia on Thursday expelled Kamrob following the accusation that he had executed work in contradiction to his position. He was ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.

Cambodia's appointment of [Thaksin] as the adviser to Hun Sen and his government has seen the start of the current diplomatic rows between the neighbouring countries. Both have recalled their ambassadors and the first secretaries. Thailand has downgraded relations and reviewed cooperation with and loans given to Cambodia.

Thai Prime Minister said the expulsion of the Thai diplomat was intended to provoke a "violent response" from his government.

"The Thai government didn't fall for their trick," he told reporters in Bangkok before leaving for Singapore to attend the APEC Summit and ASEAN-US Summit.

[The Nation also reported that Thailand had tightened security at the main border town of Sa Kaew following alleged intelligence reports that Cambodian soldiers disguised as vendors had infiltrated the country on "intelligence gathering operations". It said three companies of Thai paramilitary rangers were stationed at the Rong Klua market near the Baan Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district to maintain surveillance after reports that 80 Cambodian soldiers dressed as civilians had entered Thailand along with 8,000 Cambodian vendors.]

Source: The Nation website, Bangkok, in English 14 Nov 09

Thai fugitive Thaksin departs Cambodia: officials

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra boards his plane to leave Cambodia at Siem Reap International airport. Thaksin, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption in Thailand, left Cambodia on November 14 after a trip which stoked a major diplomatic crisis between the two countries. (AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AFP) – Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra left Cambodia on Saturday, officials said, concluding a trip that has stoked a major diplomatic crisis between the two neighbours.

Thaksin, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption in Thailand, was seen by an AFP reporter departing the country Saturday morning by private jet.

Cambodia's deputy cabinet minister Prak Sokhon confirmed Thaksin had left, four days after arriving in the country to take up a role as economics adviser to the government.

Some 50 members of parliament from Thailand's main pro-Thaksin party, Puea Thai, who travelled to Cambodia to meet the billionaire tycoon, waved him off as his plane took off from the airport at the tourist hub of Siem Reap.

The Thai government was outraged by Thaksin's appointment and Cambodia's refusal to extradite him to Thailand on the grounds that his graft conviction was politically motivated.

Both countries recalled their respective ambassadors last week.

Cambodia upped the ante Thursday, expelling the first secretary to Thailand's embassy after the arrest of a Thai man in Phnom Penh on charges of spying on Thaksin.

Thailand reciprocated, expelling Cambodia's first secretary from Bangkok.

Cambodian premier Hun Sen has strongly defended his friendship with Thaksin and played a round of golf with him in Siem Reap on Friday.

Thaksin accused his foes in the incumbent Thai government of "false patriotism" during an economic lecture Thursday in the capital Phnom Penh.

Thailand has put all talks and cooperation programmes with Cambodia on hold and has torn up an oil and gas exploration deal signed during Thaksin's time in power.

Thailand and Cambodia have fought a series of deadly clashes on their border since July 2008 in a dispute over land around an ancient Cambodian temple that was granted UN World Heritage Status.

US asked to take tough action on Cambodian human rights

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer

Original report from Phnom Penh

13 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

A prominent US human rights group on Friday urged the US to take tough action on Cambodia for its harsh moves against government critics.

“Human Rights Watch urges [US President] Obama to openly challenge Prime Minister Hun Sen’s increasing authoritarian practices, in which he and other ruling party officials use violence, threats, and the country’s notoriously corrupt judiciary to silence and imprison opposition party members, journalists, land rights activists, and other government critics,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

The statement was made just two days before President Barack Obama is due to meet Asean leaders on Sunday, after attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Singapore.

“This statement is unrealistic and untrue. It has a political intention to attack the government,” said Phay Siphan, secretary of state and spokesman for the Council of Ministers.

Phay Siphan said that what was raised in the statement is ruthless and not honest with a “bad intention to unfairly slander the government of Cambodia”.

But opposition party welcomes the statement.

“I thank Human Rights Watch for helping to remind the US President Barack Obama who is the leader of a superpower to pay attention to the rights and freedom of Cambodian people and democracy in Cambodia,” said Kem Sokha, president of the Human Rights Party, calling the government to accept criticism.

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy will be the third member of parliament to lose his immunity this year following an allegedly pulling out border markers with Vietnam. Two other opposition parliamentarians Mu Sokhua and Ho Vann have been stripped off their immunity for criticizing premier Hun Sen and military officers.

The editor of an opposition Khmer Mchas Srok newspaper was sentenced to one year jail term for writing on corruption issues.

Cambodia not intend to expel more Thai diplomats: Cambodian official

http://www.chinaview.cn/

2009-11-14

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia does not intend to expel more Thailand diplomats, an government official said here on Friday.

"Our government's stance so far is not purposed to expel other Thai diplomats," Koy Koung, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry told Xinhua. "But first secretary of royal Thai embassy to Cambodia really involved with spying in Cambodia. We have concrete evidence to show that Thai first secretary and a Thai man who was arrested recently by our police have spied here," Koy Koung added. Thai man will be sentenced by our court soon, he said.

Cambodian government on Thursday expelled a Thai diplomat, claiming that "he has performed his duty contrary to his diplomatic position."

Meanwhile, Thai side also expelled the Cambodian first secretary from its embassy in Bangkok.

Moreover, a Thai man named as Siwarak Chothipong for spelling in Khmer, 31, works as a engineer in CATS, was arrested on Wednesday by Cambodian police. It was said the Thai man spied through copying the letters of flights of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin in Cambodia and Prime Minister Hun Sen from CATS -- Cambodia Air Traffic Services Co Ltd which has duties to control all flights in country...and sent those reports to Thailand.

The tit-for-tat moves between the two countries came as Cambodia appointing ousted Thai former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser of Cambodian government and the Prime Minister Hun Sen on Nov. 4. Thailand recalled its ambassador on Nov. 5, and Cambodia followed suit.

Thaksin arrived here on Tuesday and give his first lecture on Thursday to 300 Cambodian economic experts at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 military coup for alleged massive corruption and other charges. His supporters say he should be pardoned and returned to power. Since the coup, Thaksin has lived abroad to escape a corruption conviction and two-year prison sentence.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

Border trade not yet affected

By Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation
Published on November 14, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Cross-border trade with Cambodia is holding up despite the diplomatic row between the countries.

"There has been no disruption yet in border trade with Cambodia. The conflict is likely to affect new investment projects, rather than existing ones. Most new projects involve agricultural projects and restaurants," Niyom Wairatpanij, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's border trade committee, said yesterday.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot reiterated that commercial business with Cambodia was normal. He insisted there had been no violence against Thais in Cambodia, but that a contingent evacuation plan was ready should the situation deteriorate.

The value of Thailand's cross-border trade with Cambodia is generally lower than that with its other immediate neighbours.

Niyom said last year's border trade with Malaysia was the highest at Bt400 billion, followed by about Bt150 billion with Burma.

Laos was ranked third, followed by Cambodia.

In the first nine months of this year, cross-border trade with Cambodia was estimated at Bt32 billion, out of an overall bilateral trade value of Bt39.53 billion. Border trade generally accounts for 80 per cent of the total.

Regarding overall Thai trade with the Kingdom's nine fellow Asean members, the value of exports to Cambodia ranked eighth at US$1.14 billion (Bt38.2 billion) in the first nine months of the year.

This was higher only than Brunei, which imported $88.3 million from Thailand, according to Commerce Ministry data.

Thai-Asean

- The value of export and import between Thailand and 9 Asean members in the first 9 months

destination/export/import (US$)

Singpoare - 5.4 bn/4.17 bn

Malaysia - 5.33 bn/5.95 bn

Indonesia - 3.2 bn/2.72 bn

Vietnam 3.2 bn/1 bn

Philippines - 2.14 bn/1.19 bn

Laos - 1.18 bn/325.9 mn

Burma - 1.09 bn/2.08 bn

Cambodia - 1.14 bn/42.9 mn

Brunei - 88.3 million/63.9 million

Source: Commerce Ministry

A cool approach will maintain Thailand's image and credibility

By Nophakhun Limsamarnphun
The Nation
Published on November 14, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PRIME MINISTER Abhisit Vejjajiva will be faced with a delicate situation in Singapore tomorrow when he represents Asean at meeting with US President Barack Obama.

The US-Asean dialogue will follow the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit, which starts today.

As chairman of the 10-country grouping, the Thai premier will have to put the ongoing Thai-Cambodian conflict on the sidelines for the time being.

After all, both Thailand and Cambodia are Asean members.

Upholding Thailand's image and credibility at this crucial forum is undoubtedly the premier's top priority, even though Thaksin Shinawatra in collaboration with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, has managed to upset Thailand both politically and diplomatically in the past few days.

Abhisit will have to tell the world that Thailand is playing by the rule of law and international treaties, and neighbouring countries like Cambodia ought to respect the country's sovereignty as far as administrative, legislative and judicial systems are concerned.

Cambodia's rejection of Thailand's official request for the extradition of Thaksin, a fugitive from justice, was simply a bad precedent as far as the Thai-Cambodian extradition treaty is concerned.

For Thaksin, his risky adventure into Cambodia appears to have served the purpose of an explicit challenge to the Thai state in the hope of destabilising Abhisit's government.

The ousted premier also held a meeting with about 50 Pheu Thai MPs across the Thai-Cambodian border, bringing him closest ever physically to his supporters since he fled his two-year jail term in 2008.

For Hun Sen, there seems to be no love lost between his country and Thailand's government.

The Cambodian PM has explicitly bet on a Thaksin ally returning to power after the next general election, which is expected to take place some time next year.

In fact, he has offered Thaksin, now his economic adviser, carte blanche to visit Cambodia as often as he wants, allowing the fugitive to run his politics across the Thai-Cambodia border.

In addition, the Cambodian leader appears to be taking revenge on the Preah Vihear issue because the Abhisit government has consistently opposed Cambodia's unilateral registration of the ancient temple complex, which sits on the Thai-Cambodian border, with Unesco.

As for Abhisit, it would be imprudent to play the cards that Hun Sen and Thaksin are playing, because they are aimed at destabilising his government just ahead of the weekend Apec Summit and US-Asean meeting.

On Thursday, Cambodia also expelled a senior Thai diplomat from its capital in connection with the arrest of Siwarat Chotipong, a Thai national, who worked for the Cambodia Air Traffic Service.

Siwarat was charged with spying on Thaksin's flight schedule.

The Thai foreign ministry dismissed the charge as groundless and responded by expelling a Cambodian diplomat.

Yet, it's in Thailand's interest to exercise maximum caution and be cool as has been exemplified by Abhisit's policy that at this stage there will be no border shutdowns, closure of the Thai Embassy nor the evacuation of Thai nationals in Cambodia.

In the end, Thailand's international image and credibility as a larger country than Cambodia will be intact if the government tackles the bilateral issues as diplomatically as it can without resorting to any violent or military means.

Two senior Khmer Rouge leaders to stay another year in detention

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer

Original report from Phnom Penh

13 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal on Friday extended detention of two regime’s former senior leaders Ieng Sary and his wife, Ieng Thirith, to another year.

In a statement, co-investigating judges Marcel Lemonde and You Bunleng said that the extension is to “ensure security” of the two accused and to “preserve public order” and that they will not put “pressure” on witnesses.

“It does not need any more such conditions to extend the detention,” said Ang Oudom, a lawyer for Ieng Sary, who filed the appeal against the decision yesterday. “We need him in a good health to be present in the trial,” he said.

He has argued for putting his client under surveillance in a house or in the hospital.

Ieng Sary, 84, former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, and his wife, Ieng Thirith, 77, were arrested on 12 November 2007 to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The courts allow provisional detention up to a three year period with an extension every year. This will be the third and final one for the two accused.

No Cambodian-Thai dispute raised at a meeting with Obama

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer

Original report from Phnom Penh

13 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI news Media)

Cambodia will not bring up a dispute with its neighboring Thailand in the first meeting of Asean leaders with the US President Barack Obama to be held this Sunday in Singapore, a foreign ministry's official said Friday.

“The first reason is that, this is an Asean’s internal affair, and secondly Cambodia wants this first meeting to proceed with a success,” Koy Kuong, a spokesman for Cambodia’s foreign ministry, said.

The statement was made after the Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan expressed his concern during a lecture at Lee Kwan Yew school of public diplomacy in Singapore that current diplomatic row between Cambodia and Thailand would affect the first Asean-US meeting.

Singapore hosts Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) which President Obama is scheduled to join.

Prime Minister Hun Sen will leave for the meeting this weekend.

Abhisit won't cut troops

Published: 14/11/2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thailand will not dance to Cambodia's tune by withdrawing troops from the disputed Preah Vihear temple area, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says.

Mr Abhisit said yesterday more pressure would be put on Cambodia next week.

Cambodia's removal of troops from the area was just a tactical ploy, he said. Phnom Penh wanted to give the appearance there were no problems relating to its plans to develop the ancient Hindu temple as a World Heritage site.

"It is their plan and we are not going in that direction," Mr Abhisit said, after a meeting with Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered the withdrawal of the 911 special forces unit from its post at the temple. The pullout ceremony was held in Siem Reap yesterday where Hun Sen and fomer Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra met with 60 Puea Thai Party MPs and other Thaksin supporters.

The troop withdrawal came amid increasing tensions between the two neighbours which have escalated since Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser to his government and also his personal adviser. The ensuing diplomatic spat worsened on Thursday when Cambodia expelled a senior Thai envoy, which caused Mr Kasit to cut short his visit to Singapore.

Mr Abhisit said the government was reviewing projects with Cambodia and some of them might be put forward to the cabinet for consideration next week.

He said the government was not distracted by the diplomatic spat with Cambodia and its diplomatic response was in line with proper procedure.

"There is nothing special about this because we have more important things to do," he said.

Mr Abhisit said the government would take appropriate diplomatic measures against Cambodia.

"We will not take action in haste. The steps we are to take must guarantee results," he said.

The government is reviewing a 1.4 billion baht soft loan for a road project linking Surin province to Siem Reap.

He said Cambodia's actions were intentionally provocative.

"Partly this is because they [Hun Sen and Thaksin] need each other," he said.

Mr Abhisit said the Thai-Cambodian rift was not serious enough to close the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

Mr Abhisit scoffed at Thaksin's remarks that the government was promoting a false sense of patriotism.

"We have not. The sentiment is stirred by Thaksin's actions which are found unacceptable and against the nation's interests," he said.

Thaksin told Puea Thai MPs who visited him in Siem Reap last night the withdrawal of Cambodian troops was down to his friendship with Hun Sen.

Hun Sen told the MPs that he was devastated by Thaksin's fate.

"He is a great asset to Thailand but he has no place to stay. He doesn't even have a passport from his own country," he was quoted as saying.

Hun Sen also said "Cambodia would not interfere in Thailand's internal affairs and the appointment of Thaksin would foster 'unprecedented' relationship between the two countries."

Relations between Thai and Cambodian soldiers deployed in the disputed area seem to have remained undisturbed by the diplomatic flare-up.

Sgt Maj 1st Class Jongrak Taenhom, who is among 10 Thai soldiers deployed near Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri, said there was no tension between Thai and Cambodian soldiers.

"We eat together. We talk. There is no strain or tension. And now they have pulled out, so there is nothing to be tense about," he said.

Cambodia says row should stay off US-ASEAN summit agenda - Summary

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:40:23 GMT

By : dpa

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Bangkok/Phnom Penh - Cambodia said Friday that deteriorating relations between it and Thailand should not be discussed at this weekend's summit between the US and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both countries are members of the ten-nation regional bloc.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Koung said Cambodia would like ASEAN to help resolve the row, but felt the summit was not the appropriate venue.

"[Cambodia] will not get this issue involved in the US-ASEAN summit on Sunday," Koy Koung said. "Also we request that the other ASEAN leaders also not get this issue involved."

Koy Koung said Cambodia wants the summit "to proceed successfully" and remains open to any solution to the row with Thailand.

"Cambodia welcomes all means of solution - bilateral, multilateral, regional or international - we are prepared for all means of settlement," he added.

The comments came after days of high political drama that followed the appointment last week of Thailand's fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to advisory positions in Cambodia.

Thaksin arrived in Phnom Penh Tuesday before giving a speech to government officials and businessmen on Thursday.

Thailand was further angered when its request to extradite Thaksin was rejected by Phnom Penh, which regards his outstanding two-year jail term as politically motivated.

Earlier on Friday Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya rejected as "defamation and slander" Cambodian government claims that a Thai mechanic had spied on Thaksin.

Cambodian authorities on Thursday detained Siwarak Chothipong, 31, who is employed by flight control firm Cambodia Air Traffic Services, accusing him of seeking Thaksin's flight details and passing them on to unnamed government officials in Thailand.

Kasit said on Thai television the arrest was "absurd" and "a mischievous frame-up."

Cambodia's national police spokesman, Kirt Chantharith, told the German Press Agency

Thailand to continue issuing steps to pressure Cambodia

November 13, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Thailand's government will continue issuing measures to pressure Cambodia, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva disclosed Friday.

The weekly cabinet on next Tuesday will discuss about the possible measures and also review bilateral projects with Cambodia, Thai News Agency quoted Abhisit as saying.

However, all steps will be implemented properly and at the right timing, the Thai prime minister said.

Also, the cabinet will discuss to suspend loan worth of 1.4 billion baht (42.02 million U.S. dollars) planned for Cambodia, said Abhisit.

Thailand and Cambodia have downgraded their diplomatic relations due to conflict over an appointment of ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government on Nov. 4.

A day after the appointment of Thaksin, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.

And, on Thursday the Cambodian Foreign Ministry ordered Mr. Kamrob Palawatwichai, the first secretary of the Thai Embassy in Cambodia, to leave Cambodia within 48 hours, from 5 p.m., Cambodia's time.

After learning the Cambodian order, Bangkok responded by expelling a first secretary at the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok ordering him to leave Thailand within 48 hours, from 5 p.m., local time.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and is living in exile since then.

He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

Source: Xinhua

Opposition meets Thaksin

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (left) talks with supporters as ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra looks on. -- PHOTO: AP

Nov 13, 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

SIEM REAP - SCORES of Thai opposition politicians poured into Cambodia on Friday to meet their fugitive leader, raising the prospect of a more aggressive push to topple the Thai government.

Supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra headed to the Cambodian town of Siem Reap to meet the former telecoms billionaire, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup and later convicted of graft in absentia and sentenced to two years in prison.

Thaksin has created a makeshift political headquarters, complete with high-tech office equipment, in a hotel restaurant in Siem Reap, home to Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat temple complex and just about 150km (90 miles) from Thailand.

Although he was expected to fly on Saturday to Dubai, where he spends most of his time in self-imposed exile, the alliance between Thaksin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is stoking concern in Bangkok about a push by Thaksin to regain power.

'Effectively, Hun Sen has now allowed Thaksin to use Cambodia as a base of operations to operate against the Thai government. That's not good,' said Thai Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij.

Thaksin was seen with about 20 supporters. Another 60 had crossed into Cambodia and about 20 were on the way to the border, said Surapong Towichakchaikul, a member of the Puea Thai Party, latest incarnation of Thaksin's disbanded Thai Rak Thai party. -- REUTERS

Ousted Thai PM rallies supporters to Cambodia

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, talks with supporters upon his arrival in Siem Reap province, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin has accused his detractors of false patriotism in a speech Thursday, following the uproar over his appointment as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

By SOPHENG CHEANG (AP)

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Thailand said Friday it would not be provoked into violence in its diplomatic tussle with Cambodia over fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, even as the ousted leader taunted the Bangkok government by meeting with political supporters in the neighboring country.

Thaksin's visit to Thailand's doorstep has highlighted his ability to command headlines in his homeland and destabilize its politics, even three years after he lost power and fled into exile.

Dozens of opposition politicians and other Thaksin supporters drove across the border into Cambodia to meet with the ousted leader, irritating Thailand's government, which considers him a convicted criminal and a threat to its power.

Thaksin's warm welcome in Cambodia has strained already uneasy bilateral relations.

On Thursday, Cambodia expelled a senior Thai diplomat and arrested a Thai employee of Cambodia Air Traffic Services — which manages flights in the country — for allegedly stealing Thaksin's flight schedule and giving it to the diplomat.

Thaksin, a former telecommunications billionaire, was ousted by a 2006 military coup. He fled Thailand last year to avoid imprisonment on a corruption charge and now spends most of his time in Dubai.

Thaksin "is using a helping hand from a neighboring country as a tool to overthrow the monarchy and the Thai government," Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Friday in Bangkok.

Thaksin's political battle with the Thai government — which came to power this year after months of protests aimed at removing the former leader's allies from power — has bitterly divided his country.

He accuses Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of having taken control by undemocratic means. Thaksin remains hugely popular among the rural poor, who have staged frequent rallies calling for his return to power, but he is reviled by many in the educated urban elite.

Abhisit said Friday that Cambodia's expulsion of the Thai diplomat was intended to provoke a "violent response" from his government, but that he would respond peacefully.

"The Thai government didn't fall for their trick," he told reporters in Bangkok.

Thaksin was named an adviser to Cambodia's government on economic affairs last week, causing Thailand to recall its ambassador, with Cambodia following suit. On Wednesday, Cambodia rejected a Thai request for Thaksin's arrest, saying he was being prosecuted for political reasons.

Nationalist passions have been running high on both side of the border since Thailand opposed Cambodia's bid to have an ancient temple designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Preah Vihear temple was awarded to Cambodia by the World Court in 1962, but some land around it remains in dispute.

Both countries deployed troops to the border over the dispute, leading to skirmishes that left at least seven soldiers dead.

Cambodia on Friday withdrew 1,000 special forces troops from the disputed border area, though others remained.

"We are withdrawing our forces because we want Thailand to understand that Cambodia wants the border of the two countries to stay peaceful and for the area to be developed for the sake of both countries," deputy commander in chief Lt. Gen. Chea Tara said.

Cambodians to Attend Training in Japan: JICA

Written by DAP NEWS -- Friday, 13 November 2009

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

The Japan International Cambodia Agency (JICA) will send 19 Cambo dian youths to attend an 18-day train- ing course in Japan.

Ten of the group will come from the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports and 9 from the Ministry of Justice.

All will get a chance to add to their skills after leaving for Japan on November 15.

Murakami Yusuke, vice president of JICA, said that there are 627 persons studying in Japan on various courses.

This is the third year that JICA has provided such an opportunity to Cambodian youths, Murakami Yusuke added.

Minister for Education, Youth and Sports Im Sithy said that “In 1994, Japan was a core of the infrastructure sector. In 1995, they cooperated to Cambodia to set a project of the training course for Cambodian officials.” The minister said Japan had provided many other service to Cambo- dians as well, including the recent course to train to 85 Govern-ment’s staff. “Since 2007, they sent our Cam-bodians students to study Mathemat ics and Natural Technology.”

Minister of Justice Ang Vong-vathana said that “In late 1998, Japan through JICA cooperated to Cambo-dia, especially in law systems to improve the role for justice procedures.”

Vongvathana added that the aim of Japan was to help improve Cambodia’s legal system, enhance human rights and strength economic systems to develop confidence for Cambodians.

Under the support of JICA, Cambodians will attend the course to get new skills and experiences in Japan boost the Cambodian legal system and education.

Red Shirts Meet Thaksin in Cambodia

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, greets ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, and his supporters Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Hun Sen has named Thaksin an economic advisor to Cambodia, sparking tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations. Thaksin faces a two-year prison sentence for corruption, should he return to Thailand. (AP Photo/Khem Sovannara)

Written by DAP NEWS -- Friday, 13 November 2009 

(Posted by CAAI News Media)

A dozen of shirted supporters of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Sinawatra on Thursday afternoon crossed the border to meet with their fugitive leader in Siem Reap province, about 100 km from Thai border in Sisaket province.

The red shirts showed their support for Thaksin, some with tears, and welcomed Thaksin’s appointment as the PM Hun Sen’s economic advisor.

The meeting came a day after Thaksin gave a lecture on economics to more than 300 Cambodian Gover- nment officials at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Thursday morning.

According to the source, the red shirts blamed the Bangkok Govern-ment led by Abhisit for Thailand’s economic and social troubles.

Singing “We love Thaksin!” in Thai and English, the protesters, who had crossed the border from northeastern Thailand, gave the billionaire tycoon roses and hugs as he arrived at a hotel in Siem Reap, reported AFP.

“I am very happy to see him. We hug him and he hugs us,” Taradang Chinin, a representative of the group who travelled from their homes in Thailand the previous day, told AFP in the lobby of the Nokor Kokthrok hotel.

“The Thai Government right now is a big cheater. Thaksin, when he was prime minister, he thought about poor people. He shared his love for people. He is very popular,” supporter Taradang said. Meanwhile, according to reports from the Poipet International Border Crossing in Banteay Meanchey province, a group of Thai soldiers warned and stopped some red shirts crossing to Cambodia to meet Thaksin. The black-clad soldiers claimed the red shirts did not hold valid passports so did not allow them to cross the border.

Over 30 red shirts made the trip to Phnom Penh to show their support Thaksin as he was appointed as a Cambodia Government economic advisor by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni on October 27.

However, even though Thai black-clad soldiers blocked the red shirts, the border is still normal and citizens can come and go through the border gate as usual.

“Even though the two countries’ diplomatic ties are down, the situation at the Poipet gate is still normal and citizens can do their business as usual,” Banteay Meanchey Sub-Governor Ou Long Dy told DAP News Cambodia on Thursday.

“Thai citizens can come to gamble in Cambodia casinos as usual,” he added. In his lecture on economi cs to Cambodian Government Thaksin recommended that Cambod ia focus on tourism, agriculture, rural development and natural resource extraction.

“I would like to see broadcasting about the tourism field among Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand and each nation should strengthen quality standards and safe tourism services,” Thaksin said.

A ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen welcoming the troops back from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen waves at soldiers from division 911 during a ceremony welcoming the troops back after they withdrew from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen examines a weapon from a soldier of division 911 during a welcome ceremony after the troops withdrew from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian soldiers from division 911 attend a welcome ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, on November 13, 2009 after the troops withdrew from the disputed border with Thailand. . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian soldiers from division 911 stand at attention during a welcome ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, on November 13, 2009 after the troops withdrew from the disputed border with Thailand. . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian soldiers from division 911 board a truck after a ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen welcoming the troops back from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009 . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian soldiers from division 911 sit on a truck during a ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen welcoming the troops back from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009 . REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian soldiers from division 911 wave from a truck after a ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen welcoming the troops back from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian school children wave at soldiers from division 911 after a ceremony by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen welcoming the troops back from the disputed border with Thailand, in Siem Reap, 320 km (198 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, November 13, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian troops apprear on the street in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Cambodian troops sit on trucks in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have been withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Students welcome Cambodian troops on trucks driving in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have been withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Students welcome Cambodian troops on trucks driving in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have been withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Nuns welcome Cambodian troops on trucks driving in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have been withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)

Dancers welcome Cambodian troops on trucks driving in Siem Reap, about 320 kilometers (199 miles) north Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, before Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, pays a two-day private visit to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination. The troops have been withdrawn from Preah Vihear temple near the Cambodia-Thai border, government official said. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (CAAI News Media)