Chong Sa-ngam border crossing closed [by Thailand] after Thai-Cambodian clashes

SI SA KET, April 24 (MCOT online news) --- Si Sa Ket’s Chong Sa-ngam border crossing has been closed since Sunday’s noon for safety reasons after fresh Thai-Cambodian fighting reerupted in neighbouring Surin province in the morning, a local customs officer said, while border trade at Rong Kluea Market in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district continued.

Trade and tourism along Thai-Cambodian border in Si Sa Ket province have been suspended, following the Sunday’s closure of Chong Sa-ngam border crossing after it had been opened for four hours in the morning.

Orawan Boonsang, a head of the customs officers at Chong Sa-ngam border crossing, explained that the closure was for safety reasons for Thai and Cambodian people after the sounds of gunfire was heard along the border in Surin.

Thailand deploys troops to Cambodia border to prevent Yellow Shirts trespass

30 Dec 2010
By Suon Sophalmony
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Soch

Thailand has deployed thousands of its troops and it also sent in mobile tank unit to patrol the border with Cambodia in Sakaew province, next to western Cambodia, in order to prevent Thai Yellow Shirt demonstrators from crossing the border from Thailand into Cambodia.

Ouk Keo Ratanak, the spokesman for the Cambodian Banteay Meanchey provincial office, said on Thursday 30 Dec 2010 morning that the measure taken by the Thai border troops is to curb Thai Yellow Shirt demonstrators who are protesting following the arrest of 7 Yellow Shirt activists by Cambodia.

Ouk Keo Ratanak added: “Because we arrested the 7 Siamese, Thailand moved its troops. The troop movement includes moving tanks to the border because they are concerned the Yellow Shirts will come over and it will affect the friendship [between Thailand and Cambodia]. So they moved their troops to provide protection because they are concerned about the Yellow Shirts’ opposition.”

On 29 Dec 2010, Cambodian border troops unit 503 arrested 7 Thai citizens and accused them of illegal border crossing from Sakaew province, Thailand, to Cambodia’s Beanteay Meanchey province. The 7 Thai citizens were sent to court in Phnom Penh for legal measures.

Cambodian border troops indicated that on 30 December, Thailand announced that it was closing all border crossings along Sakaew province in Thailand, and it also prohibited all border crossings.

Chhouk Ang, the commander of the border unit no. 911, said that the border crossings that Thailand announced the closure include Sala Khmer, Tumnub Dach, O’Bey Choan, Nong Chan, Rithisen and Thnal Bombek. The crossings are located in O’Chrov district all the way to Dambon 5 in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.

Chhouk Ang, added: “They closed the border crossing at Sala Khmer all the way to Dambon 5. Furthermore, we also arrested the Yellow Shirt protest leaders, and they said that their leaders came over, but that’s their excuse. They close for a while to keep calm along the border, their leaders come to see, that is in the Thai side.”

Chhouk Ang added that, at the same time, Cambodia’s border troops units 911 and 503 are cooperating with each other to deploy troops to defend each zone along the Cambodian border in Banteay Meanchey province.

Regarding the border closure along the crossings in Sakaew province, Cambodian officials in Banteay Meanchey province, as well as Cambodian border troop officials indicated that they do not know yet when Thailand will re-open these border crossings.

On 16 December 2010, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to lift visa requirements for border crossing between the two countries after the leaders of the two countries signed their agreements.

Cambodia and Thailand first tied its diplomatic relations in 19 December 1950, i.e. 60 years ago. However, border disputes between the two countries have been going on since then.

Thais allowed to resume fishing in Cambodian waters

TRAT, Dec 1 (TNA) – Local authorities resumed issuing licenses to Thai trawlers to fish in Cambodian water on Wednesday, said Thitikorn Lohakup, chairman of the Trat fisheries association.

Mr Thitikorn said he was informed by a Koh Kong official that a meeting of the Koh Kong authorities finalised fisheries regulations on Tuesday and agreed to allow Thai fishermen to seek licenses to fish in Cambodian waters at a temporary office opposite the Koh Kong Resort from Thursday onwards.

Cambodia's Defence Minister Gen. Tea Banh last week asserted that Cambodia has not closed its waters near Koh Kong as earlier reported. He said that fisheries concession procedures were being amended and that it would not affect the livelihood of the both peoples.

"I reaffirm that we will try to avoid doing things which (negatively) affect the daily life and the living of peoples to prevent any dispute," the Cambodian defence minister said. "There has been some adjustment of concession regulations recently, and if the licence has expired, fishermen can ask for renewal of their licence without any problem."

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday reaffirmed that the Thai government will not close the Thai-Cambodian border as it has concern for the well-being of the population living along the border.

Mr Suthep reminded the public that the diplomatic row between Thailand and Cambodia flared up right after the visit to Phnom Penh of former Thai premier Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and the appointment of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

Prime Minister Abhisit has continued to assert that political and diplomatic retaliation is separate matters, and the commitments made by the two countries which are beneficial to their citizens, particularly aid projects, will not be revoked, Mr Suthep said.

Cambodian-Thai border not to be closed: Thai deputy PM

BANGKOK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Tuesday has reassured that the Thai government will not close the Thai-Cambodian border.

The Thai deputy prime minister's statement was made amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between Thailand and Cambodia.

The border will not be closed since it is concerned with the well-being of the people along the Thai-Cambodian border, Thai News Agency quoted Suthep as saying.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has emphasized a commitment made by the two countries for the benefit of the Thai-Cambodian citizens will not be revoked, Suthep said.

Suthep was referring to an agreement under which Bangkok will lend Cambodia some 41.2 million U.S. dollars to upgrade a highway in Cambodia, and other loans.

The diplomatic problem occurred after Cambodia appointed ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Nov. 4.

A day after the appointment, 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.

Deputy PM Suthep: Thai-Cambodian border will not be closed

BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday reasserted that the Thai government will not close the Thai-Cambodian border as it has concerns for the well-being of the population living along the border.

The deputy Thai premier commented after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen criticised Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for insulting Phnom Penh.

Mr Hun Sen was quoted by foreign media as saying his country will "have no happiness" if Mr Abhisit and Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya are still in power, and that "Abhisit is the PM who is hardest to work with among the ten Thai premiers he had worked with".

Mr Hun Sen also dared his counterpart to close the borders.

Mr Suthep said that the Thai government must remain resolute and careful, while not being preoccupied with Mr Hun Sen's words, as he might have been pressed by domestic or external factors in speaking as he did.

"The prime minister has been careful to his utmost in handling the matter," said Mr Suthep. "I pledge that the border will not be closed as the Thai government will not do anything that will adversely affect the people living along the border."

The deputy premier added that Thailand has yet to consider restoring diplomatic ties with Cambodia to their normal level, but is now trying to resolve the problem at all levels.

Mr Suthep also reminded that the diplomatic row between Thailand and Cambodia flared up right after the visit to Phnom Penh of former Thai premier Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and the appointment of ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

Prime Minister Abhisit has continued to emphasise that political and diplomatic retaliation is another matter, and the commitment made by the two countries which are beneficial to their citizens, particularly aid projects, will not be revoked, Mr Suthep said, referring to the agreement under which Bangkok will make a Bt1.4-billion (US$41.2 million) loan to upgrade a highway from the Thai border and other loans.

Regarding unconfirmed reports regarding a deal with Cambodia to release detained Thai engineer Siwarak Chutipong in exchange for reinstating the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh, Mr Suthep denied that.

However he said the Abhisit government is continuing its duty to help the detainee, while the negotiations to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries must be carried out.

Thai businesses fear closure of border

21/11/2009
Bangkok Post

As the Thai-Cambodian media skirmish continues, Thai executives are starting to fear their operations will suffer.

Gamblers are staying away from casinos in Koh Kong and Poipet, while tourist numbers are on the slide. Kasikorn Research Center said the escalating tensions could affect businesses and populations on both sides of the border.

The conflict between the Thai and Cambodian governments recently reached a new and alarming level when both countries withdrew their ambassadors after Cambodia named fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser and refused to extradite him when he visited the country.

But the Thai-Cambodian border remains open so the border trade, which accounts for as much as 80% of bilateral trade, continues as usual.

If the conflict is quickly resolved without either side resorting to force, trade will not be disrupted, said K-Research.

Even a temporary border closure, similar to that caused by the earlier Preah Vihear temple dispute, would only have a limited impact, the researchers said. But a prolonged closure would inevitably damage trade, causing Thai exporters to lose their share in Cambodia's market.

Thai exports to Cambodia last year were worth 67 billion baht, while imports from Cambodia were only 3 billion baht.

Thailand's trade surplus reflects Cambodia's inability to supply its market's demand, while Cambodian consumers are accustomed to imported Thai products such as sugar, beverages, cosmetics, soaps and related products. The Cambodian business sector also relies on imported processed oil and cement.

Thailand is currently the largest exporter to Cambodia, supplying 23% of its imports, followed by Vietnam with 17% and China with 15%.

Like Thailand, Vietnam benefits from close proximity with Cambodia, with significant border trade. Vietnam's exports to Cambodia have soared from US$178 million in 2002 to $1.43 billion last year. The country is now competing directly with Thailand in oil, sugar and cement.

Chinese goods, currently in third place, also have good opportunities for growth due to the strength of the Chinese economy and the development of the logistics system linking China and Asean.

But Cambodia would also face losses from this scenario. Materials and intermediate goods from other countries for its production sector would likely have higher prices due to the logistics costs. Similarly, Cambodian consumers would likely have higher living costs.

ANALYSIS: 'No winners' as Thaksin heads out from Cambodia

Sat, 14 Nov 2009
DPA

"It's a lose-lose. No one won in this political game" - Cheang Vannarith, executive director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, on the deterioration of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Thailand

Phnom Penh - Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra left Cambodia on Saturday, four days after his arrival brewed up a diplomatic storm between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, plunging relations to a new low. During his stay, Thaksin took a public swipe at his foes in Thailand's current government, saying that Bangkok's anger with Cambodia was based on "false patriotism."

Thaksin's comments followed an increasingly bitter war of words between the neighbouring countries. Cambodia regards its appointment of Thaksin as economic adviser to the government, and as a personal adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen, to be an internal matter

Bangkok holds that the appointments - and Cambodia's rejection of a Thai request to extradite Thaksin, who is fleeing a two-year jail sentence - are a slap in the face.

Matters were not helped late this week when Cambodia arrested and charged a Thai national with violating national security, ostensibly for passing on Thaksin's flight schedule to Thailand.

Both countries expelled the first secretaries from each others' embassy over that incident. The previous week, each had recalled their respective ambassadors.

Thaksin's exit leaves relations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours at their worst since 2003, when the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was sacked and burned by rioters in a night of violence against Thai interests.

Cheang Vannarith, executive director of the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, said neither side has gained from the latest deterioration in diplomatic relations.

"It's a lose-lose. No one won in this political game," he said.

But he said he was hopeful that the worst had passed, and cited as evidence Cambodia's drawdown of troop numbers at a disputed border area during Thaksin's visit.

Another encouragement was that Thailand's threatened economic sanctions and border closure failed to materialize, likely because Thailand had much more to lose in trade dollars.

"Thailand reconsidered," the analyst said. "Cambodia had responded quite aggressively and said if Thailand sealed the border then Cambodia would ban all Thai products in Cambodia."

The row also drew in the 10-nation Association of South-East Asian Nations. ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan said the bloc "cannot afford to be seen as being so seriously divided" ahead of its summit with the US in Singapore on Sunday.

Cheang Vannarith said ASEAN's standing has been damaged by the row, and it clearly wants the issue resolved. The US-ASEAN summit could see pressure exerted on both sides, despite Cambodian statements Friday that the summit is not the proper venue to air the bilateral dispute.

He said Cambodia's reluctance to broach the subject stems from a desire to avoid having ASEAN wash its dirty linen in public. But regional powers such as China and Japan - along with the US - want a solution and a united ASEAN.

"ASEAN is learning from the model of the European Union. You can see problems in the EU but you don't have such serious tensions as you do between Cambodia and Thailand," he says.

He suggested that under ASEAN's influence, relations between Cambodia and Thailand could one day resemble those between Germany and France. The two European powers were enemies for centuries, but are now at the centre of the EU.

If the past fortnight has been bad for bilateral relations, it remains unclear quite how it will play out for Thaksin. Cheang Vannarith said a recent survey in Thailand suggested the former premier has lost some popularity back home, which could be consequential for his supporters with an election expected next year.

That echoes comments in the Wall Street Journal by Thai political science professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak. He said Thaksin's closeness to Cambodia could backfire with his political base in Thailand.

"If Thaksin persists with this alliance with Cambodia, the nationalist backlash in Thailand will pick up, even among his own supporters," the Chulalongkorn University professor told the newspaper.

Both nations will need to make an effort to get relations back to normal. Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Koung says Phnom Penh wants a solution.

"Cambodia welcomes all means of solution: bilateral, multilateral, regional or international. We are prepared for all means of settlement," Koy Koung told the German Press Agency dpa.

Cheang Vannarith said all parties to the row need to reconsider their approach in order resume normal relations.

"I think Thaksin understands this, which is why he didn't stay too long," he said.

"Now that Thaksin has left, the situation will calm down a little bit, but he is still an adviser to the Cambodian government so he could come (to Cambodia) at any time," he said.

[Thai] Poll: Hold talks with Cambodia

13/11/2009
Bangkok Post

A clear majority of people agree that Thailand and Cambodia should open talks to settle their latest conflict and oppose any closure of the border checkpoints, Bangkok Poll at Bangkok University reported on Friday.

The pollsters quizzed 1,218 people in Bangkok, Nonthburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakarn on Nov 11 and 12 about the diplomatic dispute, the trip to Cambodia by fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his recent interview with Times Online.

It found that 61.5 per cent of respondents agreed the government should hold talks with Phnom Penh to improve relations, 20.7 per cent wanted the government to impose harsh retaliatory measures to protect the country’s dignity, while 17.8 per cent had no opinion.

Asked about the government’s decision to revoke the memorandum of understanding on the overlapping maritime boundary in the Gulf of Thailand with Cambodia, 41.2 per cent supported the move, while 36.1 per cent disagreed.

On the government’s plan to cut financial support to Camboldia, 41.4 per cent showed approval and 40.4 per cent opposed it.

Bangkok Poll said 55.2 per cent supported the government’s request for Thakin’s extradition, and 29 per cent were against it.

There was strong opposition to closing the border, with 68.6 per cent agreeing it would hurt people kin both countries living along the border. Only 19.8 per cent supported the idea.

Asked about Thaksin’s interview with Times Online in which is deemed to have insulted the monarchy, 44.9 per cent were not sure he actually did, 35.1 per cent believed Thaksin had intentionally criticised the high institution, while 20 per cent said the in-exile politician had no intention to do so.

Suthep: No border closure

11/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban reaffirmed on Wednesday Thailand will not resort to closing its border with Cambodia, which has rejected its request to extradite Thaksin Shinawatra.

He declined to comment on the Cambodian refusal, saying he would rather wait to see the official reply letter than engaging in a verbal spat through the media.

There were international diplomatic channels that could be followed in this matter, Mr Suthep said.

Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said the Thai government would not resort "special" measures, such as sending forces into Cambodia to bring Thaksin back to Thailand, because each country has its own sovereignty to protect.

What Thailand could do now was to send an official letter explaining to Cambodia that Thaksin is a criminal, not political, convict and that the two countries have an extradition treaty and should comply with it, he said.

Asked about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's challenging Thailand to close the border, Mr Suthep said a politician's expression of emotion could not be taken seriously.

He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's policy is for security agencies to protect Thai sovereignty and make sure that the people along the border can lead happy, normal lives.

People on both sides had relatives across the border who and maintained commercial links Their daily lives should not be disturbed by a conflict between governments, Mr Suthep said.

Govt calls for Thaksin's arrest

Borders will remain open, says Suthep

11/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Thailand has asked the Cambodian authorities to arrest former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following his arrival in Phnom Penh yesterday.

A source at the Foreign Ministry said the request from the Office of the Attorney-General had been forwarded to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh along with details of the 2008 court ruling which found Thaksin guilty of corruption.

The request for Thaksin's arrest would be conveyed to the Cambodian government no later than today, the source said.

The move is the first step in the process of having the ousted prime minister returned to Thailand to serve his two-year jail term. The call for his "provisional arrest" would soon be followed by an extradition request, the source said.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Thaksin in October last year to two years in jail after finding him guilty of a conflict of interest involving the 2003 Ratchadaphisek land purchase case.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the Thai government would wait for Phnom Penh's response to the request for Thaksin's arrest before deciding on its next move.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong yesterday ruled out the extradition of Thaksin.

He said: "We will not extradite him. We already clarified this case because he is a political victim."

Thaksin landed at Phnom Penh International Airport in a private jet and was escorted into the capital in a convoy under tight security.

"Thaksin is here for the economy and no activities related to politics," Cambodian cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan said. "It is an honour for Cambodia's economic sector and we hope that Cambodians nationwide welcome him warmly."

Thaksin is expected to stay for a few days and is due to address 300 Cambodian economists in Phnom Penh tomorrow as part of his new post.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen last month asked Thaksin to become an economic adviser to his government.

State television yesterday showed Thaksin and Hun Sen embracing. The Cambodian leader reportedly pronounced him an "eternal friend" as well as "the best adviser with economic leadership".

Thaksin reportedly thanked Hun Sen for offering him the post of economic adviser and said "nothing can compare" to his excitement in taking up the new role.

Hun Sen and Thaksin were seen laughing and chatting at a house specially prepared for the exiled leader, but Thaksin said on Twitter he was "really homesick".

"Tonight I will dine with Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family. I want to reiterate that nation, religion and monarchy are always in my mind," Thaksin wrote.

Phay Siphan said Hun Sen would host a lunch today for Thaksin "because the two leaders are close friends".

"He is coming to give a lecture only, so I believe that he will not do anything related to political activity here," Phay Siphan told reporters.

Thailand and Cambodia recalled their ambassadors last week in an escalating row over Thaksin. His presence on Thailand's doorstep is the closest he has come to his homeland since he left in August 2008.

Despite the growing diplomatic tension, Mr Abhisit and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday said Thailand would not close its border with Cambodia.

Mr Suthep, who supervises security affairs, said the border crossing would not be sealed because people on either side were related and they deserved to live a normal life.

However, the Thai government would continue to stress that Thaksin was using Cambodia as a base to hurt the Kingdom, he said.

"We must tell the world community that we love peace and want to maintain friendship with neighbouring countries," Mr Suthep said.

"But the government of the neighbouring country happens to accommodate the one who is hurting our country, hurting our people and hurting our (royal) institution. We must speak out."

Red shirts not allowed to come to Cambodia to meet Thaksin?

Call for clear policy on border checkpoints

10/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The government should make it clear whether the Thai-Cambodia border checkpoints would be closed, as traders and local residents on the border were worried, Pramote Ruamsuk, chairman of Chanthaburi Provincial Chamber of Commerce, said on Tuesday.

Mr Pramote was responding to a report saying that the border checkpoints would be shut down to prevent the red-shirts from going to see ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who is now in Phnom Penh.

“There are altogether five checkpoints in Chanthaburi and the value of the province’s border trade is more than 100 million baht a day,” he said.

He said border trade was not being affected by the latest dispute between Bangkok and Phnom Penh at the moment.

Suthep: No plan to close border

10/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The government has no plan to close border checkpoints with Cambodia as they are also trading areas for people of both countries, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday morning.

“As I am in charge of national security, I will do my best to ensure that Thai people living along the border can continue their daily lives as normal,” Mr Suthep said, adding that he will also protect the country’s sovereignty.

The deputy premier said he had no idea whether ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had arrived in Phnom Penh, but if he ever learns he is there he would ask his Cambodian counterpart to approve the fugitive politician's extradition.

Mr Suthep said he believed Thaksin wants to use Cambodia as a political base to hurt Thailand. He hoped Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen would not allow that to happen.

He said he had made no decision yet on whether to contact Mr Hun Sen directly on the matter.

Hun Sen raises stakes in border closure row

Thaksin schedules visit to Cambodia

9/11/2009
Bangkok Post and Agencies

PHNOM PENH : Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Cambodia this week after being named the country's economic adviser, Prime Minister Hun Sen says.

"Thaksin will be at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on Nov 12, to hold a briefing with more than 300 Cambodian economics experts," Hun Sen said at Phnom Penh International Airport.

The visit is likely to increase tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, which have escalated since Wednesday when Cambodia announced the appointment of Thaksin as an adviser to the prime minister and the government. Both countries have since recalled their ambassadors.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said Thailand would seek the extradition of Thaksin if he was on Cambodian soil. The two countries have an extradition agreement.

Thaksin was convicted by a Thai court last year for conflict of interest in a property deal, but while on bail he fled into exile overseas.

The Foreign Ministry has to identify Thaksin's exact location and then contact the Office of the Attorney-General to start the extradition process.

The ministry will use its diplomatic channels to contact the Cambodian government on the extradition.

Chief prosecutor for foreign affairs Sirisak Tiyaphan said the OAG would speed up the process if it was contacted by the ministry. But he indicated it could be hard to pin down Thaksin's exact whereabouts.

Mr Abhisit said Thaksin's extradition would rest with Cambodia.

Hun Sen refused to say exactly when Thaksin would arrive.

Cambodia said last week the charges against Thaksin were "politically motivated" and vowed not to extradite him if he travelled to the country.

"Please let Thaksin share my burden of boosting the economy of Cambodia," Hun Sen appealed to Thais yesterday.

But the Cambodian prime minister also downplayed tensions at the border, announcing the withdrawal of elite paratroopers from disputed territory near Preah Vihear temple.

"After examining the situation at the border between Cambodia and Thailand, the situation was quiet," he said. "So I announce the withdrawal of special paratroopers from the area at Preah Vihear temple, and their return to the headquarters.

"The implementation will be finished within a week."

Hun Sen, however, left open the possibility of shutting the border entirely, responding to a threat made by Thailand last week.

"If you want to close, close it. The loss will be mutual," said Hun Sen, pointing out that Thailand had more to lose in terms of border trade profit.

"If Thais want to close the border, Cambodia will follow. If Thais close the border, all trade between Cambodia and Thailand will be cut off."

Commander Chab Pheakdey, head of the paratrooper unit, refused to divulge the number of soldiers that would be withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the Thai cabinet will officially scrap a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia on an overlapping maritime boundary tomorrow, a Foreign Ministry source said.

The memo is a framework for officials to negotiate demarcation of the area in the Gulf of Thailand and on joint deals to develop gas and oil there.

The end of the agreement does not take immediate effect as Thailand is required to inform Cambodia three months in advance of the decision. Parliament is also debating its response to the row.

Hun Sen threatens to boycott Thai goods

November 9, 2009
The Nation

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen Sunday suggested that Thailand should not close the border between the two countries, warning that Cambodia will ban all Thai products from entering Cambodia if the border is closed.

Kyodo News quoted Hun Sen as saying that Thailand exported $2 billion worth of products to Cambodia in 2008, while Cambodian exports to Thailand totaled $90 million.

Businesses wary of border closure

Thais and Cambodian tourists travel freely across the border at a checkpoint linking Trat province with Cambodia’s Koh Kong. Thai officials yesterday threatened to close the borders as a diplomatic row between the two countries continues to escalate. JAKKRIT WAEWKLAIHONG

Protecting people and assets the concern

7/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Amid the rising tension after fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment as an economic adviser to Cambodia, Thai businesses are highly concerned about the safety of their people and assets, but they say closing the borders should be a last resort.

Thailand's national energy flagship PTT has valuable assets in Cambodia and is monitoring developments closely. Should violence occur, it said its assets in the country would be protected by the Royal Thai Navy.

"So far we are in alarm mode since we have facilities worth billions of baht in Cambodia, even though they are located in areas far from conflict," said Kampong Kittitornkul, vice-president for international marketing.

PTT has a 50% market share from six service stations and three oil tank farms in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The rest of the market is held by France-based Total.

PTT's oil products stored in tanks include jet fuel, petrol, diesel, lubricant and fuel oil used in power plants. The oil tanks are located in Navy areas.

"The Thai business community has not seen any impact yet, but we have to be cautious," he said. "Our major concern is if the situation comes to the point of a border closure, whether our business can run as usual or not. We also need to prepare for immediate evacuation if riots break out.

"We hope the situation will not lead to violence as happened in 2003. So far, high-ranking officials in Cambodia are still attempting to calm down the local business community."

Logistics operators are wary a border closure will hurt not only trade with Cambodia but also within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Sealing border trade with Cambodia affects co-operation to integrate GMS logistics networks. Last month, a trial run trucking goods from the Thai border to Ho Chi Minh City via Cambodia took place successfully, said Yoo Chienuenyongpong, a counsellor to Thai Logistics Alliance Co.

Chemical product shipments to factories in southern Vietnam would be affected, said Mr Yoo, also the president of the Land Transport Federation of Thailand.

"We should not let politics cause problems for people who are not involved in the dispute," he said.

"Vietnam is more important to us than Cambodia in terms of business opportunity. Our counterparts in China are concerned about growing disputes between Thailand and Cambodia because it might further delay our regional economic integration."

Land transport takes two nights and three days to reach Ho Chi Minh City from the Thai border, compared with 10 days by sea from Laem Chabang Port to Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Thanet Sorat, vice-president of logistics service provider V-Serve Group, said tens of local logistics companies operating at the border and with Vietnam would be affected.

"These logistics companies are the second group of casualties after local residents if the disputes intensify and lead to border closure," Mr Thanet said.

"I think the issue should not be blown up to become a national agenda item to minimise the damage for the sake of the people and the business sector."

The Commerce Ministry is calling on people and business operators of both nations not to panic, as Thai trade officials and commercial counsellors in Cambodia have not been recalled yet even though the two countries' ambassadors have left their posts.

Border trade represents up to 80% of trade between the countries worth at least 50 billion baht a year.

Traditionally, commercial ministers are not recalled as the recall of Thailand's ambassador to Cambodia is strong enough to show the kingdom's disapproval with Hun Sen's embrace of Mr Thaksin.

Commerce permanent secretary Yanyong Phuangrach said that during emergencies, all Thai trade officials are told to be ready to help Thais doing business in Cambodia.

INTERVIEW - Thai PM says no plan yet to seal border with Cambodia

Sat Nov 7, 2009
By Yoko Nishikawa

TOKYO (Reuters) - Thailand said on Saturday it has no plan yet to seal its border with Cambodia despite a diplomatic row, but will seek to extradite fugitive former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, if he goes to Cambodia to become an adviser.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also told Reuters in an interview that Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been recovering from his illness and he expected the 81-year-old king to be discharged from hospital soon.

Thailand and Cambodia deepened a diplomatic row by recalling their ambassadors from each others' countries on Thursday after Phnom Penh made Thaksin an economic adviser.

The tit-for-tat spat threatens to worsen political tensions in Thailand by potentially giving Thaksin a base across the border from where he can direct his supporters and causing a diplomatic embarrassment for Abhisit.

"We did not talk," Abhisit said when asked if he had a chance to speak with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen while he was in Tokyo for a summit of five Mekong region nations and Japan, which brought him and the Cambodian leader together at an awkward time.

"We would seek (his) extradition," Abhisit added when asked about his government's response if Thaksin goes to Cambodia.

"We do not accept the view that this is a political case. Rather, it is a straight-forward application of our laws."

But asked if Bangkok would seal its border with Cambodia, Abhisit said, "At the moment, we don't have plans to do that."

Thaksin, the twice-elected billionaire who was deposed in a coup three years ago and has been living in exile to avoid corruption charges, still commands widespread support in rural areas and remains a force in Thai politics.

Abhisit stressed the dispute did not affect the two-day Japan-Mekong summit meeting that ended earlier in the day.

"We are very conscious that this is an issue that we should solve bilaterally and that we should not let this get in the way of multilateral cooperation. So we won't allow to affect ASEAN. We won't allow to affect a forum like this," he said.

KING'S HEALTH

Abhisit said Thailand's king, who has been in hospital since Sept. 19, was recovering and that he was performing his duties from the hospital.

The 81-year-old king, the world's longest serving monarch, is regarded as semi-divine by many of the country's 67 million people.

"He has recovered and is now staying to do physiotherapy. And soon we expect His Majesty to be discharged from the hospital," Abhisit said, adding that the timing of the king's release from hospital would be up to doctors.

The king's health is a sensitive topic in financial markets because he is seen as the sole unifying figure in a politically polarised country with a long history of coups and upheaval.

Abhisit said the king was still performing his duties in hospital. "We have laws that have been signed and have come to affect, for instance, the budget law."

Thais Threaten to Close Cambodian Borders

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
06 November 2009

Thailand’s deputy prime minister on Friday warned the country could close its borders to Cambodia, after each withdrew their ambassadors in a worsening row over ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Both sides have troops amassed on the border following skirmishes over Preah Vihear temple last year, but military officials said Friday the situation remained calm.

The two countries share seven international checkpoints, as well as 12 others, along 800 kilometers of border.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was quoted Friday saying worsening relations could lead to closed checkpoints, following Cambodia’s announcement it had made Thaksin an economic adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Thaksin is in self-imposed exile and faces a two-year jail sentence for corruption charges if he returns to Thailand. Hun Sen has said he would welcome the former premier, who was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006, in spite of an extradition treaty with Thailand.

“If Cambodia still adopts a hard line and uncompromising attitude, then we must continue to downgrade relations and maybe seal off all border checkpoints,” Suthep was quoted by Agence France-Presse as saying.

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said he wasn’t surprised by the warning, but he added that Thailand would suffer more from a border closure than Cambodia.

The deepening diplomatic crisis had no bearing on a military standoff along the northern border, officials said Friday.

Defense Minister Tea Banh told VOA Khmer the border situation was “quiet” and “normal,” despite the withdrawal of ambassadors from Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

Chea Mon, commander of Division 4, said Cambodian soldiers were maintaining their positions on the border, which was quiet.

Thailand may close Thai-Cambodian border: Deputy PM

BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – Thailand may consider closing the Thai-Cambodian border if Cambodia still adopts a hardline approach to the bilateral ties, said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.

Thailand had been tolerant but had to apply diplomatic channel to downgrade relations after Cambodian issued an official statement appointing ousted and convicted Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an advisor. How long it is going to be depends on the next stance of the Cambodian side, he said.

Mr Suthep said that the situation at border is still normal and doesn’t intensify to the certain level that needs reinforcement.

He said he has not yet contacted Cambodian prime minister. Thailand may consider sealing off the border if Cambodia responds in an uncompromising manner. There has been no report that Thai businesses there are affected by downgraded relations.

Mr Suthep said he ordered police deployment to protect the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok and that Cambodia should also do the same to protect Thai embassy and Thai businesses there.

The Thai government may set up a joint committee of the Attorney General, the police and the minister of foreign affairs to prepare to ask for the extradition of Mr Thaksin, said Mr Suthep.

He affirmed that the row is the issue of the two neighbouring countries. It’s not an international issue and doesn’t need the of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) country to mediate.

Thailand and Cambodia in fresh row

Friday, November 06, 2009
Al Jazeera

Thailand has threatened to seal the border with Cambodia a day after both countries recalled their respective ambassadors over a dispute involving Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister.

The warning came amid an escalating diplomatic row triggered by Cambodia's appointment of Thaksin as economic adviser.

The Cambodian government made the announcement on state television late on Wednesday, almost two weeks after Hun Sen, the prime minister, first floated the idea at a summit of Asian leaders.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, is currently living in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail term for corruption if he returns to Thailand.

Thai officials said there were no plans for Abhisit Vejjajjiva, the Thai prime minister, to meet Hun Sen at a summit of Mekong River basin nations in Tokyo over the weekend.

Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister, said on Friday that there were no reports of any incidents along the border so far and trading was going on as normal.

"If Cambodia still adopts a hard line and uncompromising attitude, then we must continue to downgrade relations and maybe seal off all border checkpoints," he said.

"Thaksin should ask Cambodian authorities to secure the Thai embassy and Thai interests in Cambodia."

Oil deal

The two sides have fought in series of deadly skirmishes since July 2008 over disputed land that surrounds the ancient Preah Vihear temple on the border.

Thai officials also said the government plans to scrap a 2001 oil and gas exploration deal with its neighbour to jointly develop a disputed area in the Gulf of Thailand.

The deal was signed during Thaksin's tenure.

"The foreign ministry has decided to terminate the memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia to develop the overlapping area which was signed by the Thaksin government," Kasit Piromya, the Thai foreign minister, said.

Kasit said the deal for a 26,000sq km area had made no progress in the last eight years and he would propose to the cabinet next week that it should be scrapped.

"The ministry believes that the appointment of Thaksin directly affects the agreement as he was fully aware of Thailand's position in dealing with Cambodia," Kasit said by telephone from the regional Tokyo summit.

In 2003 Cambodian protesters set fire to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, again after both countries recalled their ambassadors in a diplomatic row.

Thailand takes further steps to downgrade Cambodian ties

Nov 6, 2009
DPA

Bangkok/Phnom Penh - Thailand on Friday threatened to revoke an agreement on joint petroleum exploration with Cambodia and close their common border to trade in an escalating diplomatic spat over fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said he would ask a cabinet meeting on Tuesday to approve the revoking of a Thai-Cambodia memorandum of understanding on joint oil and gas exploration in an overlapping continental shelf area that was signed in June 2001 during Thaksin's premiership.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaunsuban, meanwhile, threatened to close the Thai-Cambodian border to trade if Cambodia continued to take an aggressive stance towards the government.

The measures follow Thailand's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia Thursday to protest Phnom Penh's appointment of Thaksin as an honorary economic advisor, a not-so-diplomatic gesture towards the current Thai government which regards the ex-premier as an archenemy.

Cambodia reciprocated by recalling its ambassador who returned to Phnom Penh Friday along with the three other senior diplomats from the embassy.

'The appointment of Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin as economic advisor to the Royal Government of Cambodia and personal advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen is seen as interference with Thailand's domestic affairs and a failure to respect Thailand's judicial system,' the Thai Foreign Ministry said.

It added that the government would also review all bilateral agreements and cooperation projects with Cambodia, a decision that Cambodia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Koung said was unnecessary.

'I don't think Thailand should do this, [because] the appointment of Excellency Thaksin is the internal affair of Cambodia,' he said. 'Cambodia has no intention to worsen the relationship.'

'The Cambodian government still [wants to] maintain good relations between the two kingdoms,' Koy Koung said. 'It's up to the Thai side. The Thai side sees this in a different way, but cooperation between the two sides should still go on.'

Earlier on Friday Kasit reportedly asked Cambodia to review its decision to appoint Thaksin, saying Phnom Penh needed to choose between personal interests and relations between the two countries.

Koy Koung dismissed that. 'No, the government still holds to the decision of its appointment of Mr Thaksin,' he said.

The move to revoke the memorandum on joint oil and gas exploration in the Gulf of Thailand was seen as direct retaliation against Hun Sen, who has trumpeted his personal friendship with Thaksin, a billionaire former telecommunications tycoon with past business dealings in Cambodia.

However, Koy Koung said the move would make little practical difference.

'So far the progress on the boundary issues is already stuck because of the internal procedures of Thailand,' he said. 'It was very, very slow.'

Thaksin was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being toppled by a coup. He faces a two-year jail sentence in Thailand for abuse of power for allowing his billionaire wife in 2003 to successfully bid on a prime plot of Bangkok land in a government auction.

Thaksin has been living in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai, since August 2008 but continues to be a thorn in the side of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government.

'Mr Thaksin is well-known and very successful in business,' Cambodian government spokesman Phay Siphan said Thursday. 'We consider him as a good quality human resource for Cambodia, and we need people from every corner of the globe to build this country.'

Thaksin has accepted Cambodia's offer, according to a message he posted on his Twitter page on the internet.

Thailand has threatened to ask for Thaksin's extradition should he arrive in Cambodia, but Phnom Penh has said it would refuse to do so 'under any circumstances' as it considers his conviction politically motivated.

Thaksin was overthrown after he lost the backing of Thailand's Bangkok-based middle class and political elite. He remains popular with the poor because of his populist economic policies.