via CAAI News Media
Published: 6/04/2010
Newspaper section: News
The close ties between Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra remain unchanged, despite the Cambodian leader's refusal to allow the fugitive former prime minister to interfere in Thailand's political affairs, a close Thaksin aide says.
The prime ministers of the fourMekong countries join hands at the end of the summit in the resort district of HuaHin. Theleaders yesterday pledged closer cooperation to develop theMekong River. From left, Cambodia’sHunSen, Bouasone Bouphavanh of Laos, Thailand’s Abhisit Vejjajiva andNguyen TanDungof Vietnam. NATTHITIAMPRIWAN
Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, yesterday quoted the ousted former prime minister as saying his long relationship with the Cambodian leader had not been disrupted. Thaksin could enter Cambodia as normal.
Mr Noppadon contacted Thaksin in Dubai after a meeting between Hun Sen and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on the sidelines of the Mekong summit in Hua Hin on Sunday.
Mr Suthep quoted Hun Sen as saying Cambodia would not allow Thaksin to use the country to launch attacks on the Thai government.
Thailand and Cambodia had put all their problems behind them, according to the deputy premier, who later conveyed the message to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
But Mr Noppadon claimed the statement was intentionally misinterpreted by the government to destroy the credibility of Thaksin.
The fugitive ex-premier spoke with Hun Sen before the Cambodian leader flew to Thailand on Sunday to attend the summit and it showed nothing had changed between them, he said.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated after Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser to him and his government in October. The Cambodian leader rejected a Thai request to extradite Thaksin when he was in Phnom Penh in November. Thailand recalled its ambassador in response and Cambodia retaliated by ordering its ambassador to Bangkok to return home.
The Thai and Cambodian leaders attended the four-nation summit of the Mekong countries yesterday which included Laos and Vietnam. Mr Abhisit and Hun Sen gave no indication of ill feeling between the two countries at the summit.
Mr Abhisit yesterday approved of the positive attitude of the Cambodian leader, expressing confidence it would be a good start to improving relations.
"We have seen a positive sign for diplomatic restoration. We are going to work together to reach that point," he said.
Asked why Hun Sen had reversed his position completely, Mr Abhisit refused to answer directly.
"A leader's responsibility is based on the people's interest. Problems should be cleared by peaceful methods," he said.
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