Cambodia Demands Thailand to Make First Move in Reconciliation Offer

via Khmer NZ

19 July 2010

Cambodia has rejected Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's call for reconciliation talks, demanding that the Thai government send its ambassador back to Phnom Penh first.

The Cambodian government has turned down a request made by Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, calling for bilateral talks to restore ties between the two countries.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koi Kuong said Cambodia will do nothing unless Thailand makes the first move.

He added that the Cambodian government considers the fact that Thailand has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Cambodia to the level of Charge' d'Affaires as insignificant.

However, Kuong stressed that if the Thai authorities send their ambassador back to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian government would do the same.

Last November, Thailand and Cambodia recalled their ambassadors over a political dispute regarding the appointment of ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as Cambodia's economic adviser.

The recall marked the lowest point in recent diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, tensions seem to have eased a bit after Cambodia recently deported two red-shirt supporters wanted by Thai authorities for their involvement in the bomb attack near the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, and its cancellation of the 'Day of Anger' campaign that has been planned by radical Cambodian activists to foster hatred against Thailand.