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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment