Thailand, Cambodia Launch Twin Radio Programme

BANGKOK, July 6 (Bernama) -- Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia have jointly launched a "twin radio" programme to serve people living along their common border, in preparation for the establishment of the Single Community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (Asean) by 2015.

According to Thai News Agency the Thai-Cambodian twin radio programme is based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on bilateral broadcast and information technology or IT cooperation between Bangkok and Phnom Penh signed in February 2006.

Yingluck's visit to improve relations: Cambodian deputy PM [-Dream on, Xok Anh!]

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- The visit of the newly elected Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Cambodia next week would definitely ameliorate diplomatic ties between the governments of the two neighbors, said Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An on Friday.

Yingluck has scheduled to make a one-day official visit to Cambodia on Sept. 15 to pay courtesy call on Cambodian leaders as she just becomes the new Thai prime minister.

"The visit will build better bilateral cooperation between the two countries," he told reporters at the Phnom Penh International Airport upon his return from the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in China's Nanning.

The urgent and facing issue the two countries need to tackle is troop pullout from the provisional demilitarized zone of surrounding the 11th century Preah Vihear temple to comply with the order of the International Court of Justice and to end the two countries' military confrontation.

Cambodia, Thai foreign ministers to meet next week on cooperation

January 28, 2011
Xinhua

Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers are scheduled to meet next week in Cambodia's Siem Reap province on cooperation.

At the invitation of Hor Namhong, Cambodian foreign minister, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will lead a delegation to participate in the seventh meeting of the joint commission for bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand, according to the press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday.

The meeting, to be held on Feb. 3-4, will focus on strengthening and expanding cooperation in all fields between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides will adopt the record of discussion of the meeting.

Baan Muang Editorial [-On the Khmer-Thai relationship]

(Photo: Reuters)

12/01/2011
Bangkok Post

The new year has not brought good fortune for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, despite his success on some domestic issues in 2010.

Cambodia has remained a thorn in his side, thanks to the arrest of Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and six companions by Cambodian authorities just before the end of 2010.

Mr Abhisit's leadership suffered when his initial tough talk failed to secure their early release. His Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen said he could not intervene because the case had reached the courts of justice.

The case of the seven Thais has dented the image of Mr Abhisit, who has survived two major street protests by the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship since he assumed the premiership in December 2008.

Cambodian Minister of Information calls on [Thai] PM

19/10/2010
Source: www.thaigov.go.th

Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office Ongart Klampaiboon led Cambodian Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information Mr Khieu Kanharith to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The President of Thai Trade Representative Mr Kiat Sittheeamorn was also present at the meeting and joined the conversation.

The Prime Minister first welcomed the Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information of the Kingdom of Cambodia and conveyed regards to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. Commending the improved bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand, the Prime Minister reiterated the long-lasting relations between the people of Cambodia and the people of Thailand and emphsized the cultural cooperation, which has always been the foundation of the relationship. What the two meetings with the Cambodian Prime Minister, during the ASEAN-US Summit in New York City and during the Asia-Europe Summit in Brussels, have achieved is mutual agreement on the beginning of exchange of visits on several level between the two countries, such as ministerial and press visits. As for the Prime Ministerial meeting, there would be several more opportunities for both Prime Ministers to meet, such as the ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, from October 28 to 30, 2010, The Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Summit in Phnom Pehn, from November 16 to 17, 2010, and the Japan-Greater Mekong Sub-region Cooperation framework, said the premier.

The Prime Minister also remarked on the earlier misunderstanding, noting that the problem may have arisen from incomplete news report or inaccurate translation, but the Prime Minister expressed confidence that both parties would have more direct communication in the future. Notably, the Prime Minister said it is most satisfying that, other than the political disturbances, other mechanisms between the two nations, such as, economic cooperation and values of trade and investment, in particular the border trade, have continuously been growing. Expressing the confidence in the succcessful outcomes of the press visit between the two nations, the Prime Minister said he believes the media would be another mechanism that can strengthen bilateral ties.

On this occasion, the Cambodian Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information thanked the Prime Minister and expressed support for efforts in the relief effort for the flood victims. Regarding the bilateral relations, the Cambodian Spokesperson said the two countries are to maintain constant bilateral discussions. For the past activities in Cambodia organised by Thailand, they have been well-received and have received cooperation from both the government and the people of Cambodia. The Minister also said that he understands that these activities would be held until the end of this year. On the Cambodian press visit to Thailand, the Cambodian Minister of Information said this has been the first trip to Thailand for many members of the press delegation, and the visit has positively transformed the perception towards Thailand, looking from the enthusiasm of the followers on Twitter and Facebook personal accounts, said the Minister of Information of Cambodia. He also stated that the rehabilitation of the bilateral relations is on the right course and that the constant exchange of visits should continue.

Rift with Cambodia goes beyond Thaksin [-Cambodia has nobody knowledgeable enough in int'l trade?]

Kanharith: Media links needed

20/10/2010
Thanida Tansubhapol
Bangkok Post

The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has improved since ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned as economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the two governments returned their respective ambassadors. THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL talks to Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, the first minister from the country to visit Thailand since ties have improved, to discuss how the countries' relations can move forward.

What is the main factor that has caused misunderstanding between the two countries?

It's not just a businessman. When you talk about the misunderstanding, we need to talk about the root of the problem. Many people perceive the problem to be the appointment of Thaksin as an economic adviser, but the real problem has to do with the border and Preah Vihear.

When we appointed Thaksin, we did not do it to tease the Thai government. Cambodia is very new to international trade and Thaksin is a businessman who understands how to conduct international business. That's why we appointed him as a government adviser. But now he has many engagements and he decided to resign. For Cambodia, the source of the problem is the border, not Thaksin.

Are you confident the improved relationship will now be sustained?

We need a long-term solution to border issues. But we should start with the personal relationships between the prime ministers, information ministers and the journalist associations. We can leave border demarcation to specialists in that job and we have a joint border commission. Do not rub salt into the wounds. Prime Minister Hun Sen agrees with this.

What is your policy governing Cambodian media reporting on neighbouring countries?

Many in the Cambodian media feel that the Thai people look down on Cambodia. Thailand just acts like a big brother. But when one Cambodian reporter came to Thailand on Saturday night, he wrote on my Facebook account that the Thai people were treating them like colleagues. They changed their opinions in one night. Media from the two countries should work together and promote understanding. I discussed with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday how trade volumes went down whenever we had wars of words or political tension.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) accused us of training red shirts. That's nonsense. You can't train people in one or two months - it takes closer to one or two years. There was no reason they needed to be trained in Cambodia either - they could have been trained anywhere.

Did Prime Minister Hun Sen provide any specific guidance for the Cambodian media regarding this issue?

No. He just said that we have to make people understand by checking the sources of information on the other side.

Last time, when the DSI held a press conference about the red shirts and the training camp claims, Prime Minister Hun Sen sent an SMS to Thai Prime Minister's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul saying that it was not true. This is personal contact and it might be more effective than other means. I suggested to Mr Ong-art that before talking to the press, we should clarify the news to avoid problems and we can remain in contact 24 hours a day. We are friends and we have joined the military group too. The two countries need a professional relationship.

What did you discuss with Prime Minister Abhisit?

I told him that Prime Minister Hun Sen hopes to see him again in Hanoi and hopes he overcomes the economic crisis. We will have more fruitful discussions in Hanoi and they will meet again during the ACMECS (Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy) summit set for Phnom Penh in November. They might talk about trade, military and media mechanisms.

Cambodian information minister to visit Thailand

October 07, 2010
Xinhua

The Cambodian minister of information will pay a visit to Thailand later this month as part of the plan to boost Thai-Cambodia ties, said an senior official.

Thanom Onketpol, secretary to the Prime Minister's Office minister, said on Wednesday the Cambodian information minister was visit Thailand along with a group of Cambodian reporters during October 18-22.

The visit was a result of an agreement made with Cambodia during Prime Minister's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon's recent visit to the neighboring country, he said.

According to the agreement, the two countries will exchange information and arrange mutual-visit of news reporters, and will carry out a cultural exchange program after the ties between two countries have been approved after the resignation of Thailand's ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra as economic advisor to Cambodian prime minister late August.

Cambodian reporters to visit Thailand

7/10/2010
Bangkok Post

The Cambodian minister of information and a number of reporters will visit Thailand from Oct 18-22, Thanom Onketpol, secretary to the PM's office minister, said on Wednesday.

Mr Thanom said the visit is a result of an agreement made during PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaiboon's recent visit to Phnom Penh.

The two countries will exchange information and news reporters, and carry out a cultural exchange programme.

Cambodian leader says meeting with Thai PM restored bilateral confidence

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
By Sopheng Cheang (CP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Wednesday his country's relationship with Thailand has improved after he met his counterpart last week.

Hun Sen said the 40-minute meeting in New York with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva restored confidence and co-operation between the two countries, which have been feuding over disputed border territory and other issues. The two leaders were attending the U.N. General Assembly meeting.

Relations took a turn for the worse last year, with both countries withdrawing their ambassadors, after Hun Sen made former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra an official adviser and hosted him like a VIP.

Thaksin, ousted by a 2006 military coup, is a fugitive from Thai justice, sentenced in absentia to two years in jail after being convicted of a conflict of interest charge in 2008. Hun Sen said Thaksin had been unfairly convicted for political reasons.

The envoys resumed their posts last month after Thaksin quit his appointment, citing time constraints.

Cambodia's relations with Thailand have been contentious for years, with the focus mostly on a border dispute. They have had a series of small but sometimes deadly skirmishes over the demarcation of their border near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

Relations worsened after Abhisit, a political opponent of Thaksin, became prime minister in December 2008.

Hun Sen described his meeting with Abhisit as "very vital" to ensuring confidence and increasing co-operation.

"I can say that the meeting was very fruitful for resolving differences," he said on the sidelines of a school graduation ceremony.

Hun Sen said he and Abhisit discussed a wide range of issues, including the border dispute, frontier security, trade and drug trafficking.

The two leaders also agreed to try to resolve all differences by peaceful means, he said.

New [Thai] 2nd Army Region commander pledges to improve ties with Cambodia [... until the next clash]

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Sept 29 (MCOT online news)- Thailand's new Second Army Region commander Lt Gen Thawatchai Samutsakorn pledged to boost ties with Cambodia and will attend a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting in Siem Reap in late October.

Speaking to journalists after assuming the post from his predecessor Lt-Gen Veevalit Chornsamrit who will retire on Friday, Gen Thawatchai said he was not worried as he has been working in the northeastern region since he was a second lieutenant.

Regarding relations with the neighbouring country and the questions of peace and order along the Thai-Cambodia border, he said his policies will not be different from his predecessor, but there will be additional policies such as more frequent visits to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The general said he would meet Cambodia's fourth region army commander at the RBC in Siem Reap at the end of October. Details of the discussions will be conveyed to his superiors and the government accordingly.

If Thai-Cambodian ties improve, it may lead to considering the opening of the Khao Phra Viharn National Park, he said.

The new second army region commander pledged he would try his best to handle the border issue and to strengthen relations between soldiers of the two countries.

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the border dispute flared after the World Heritage Committee (WHC) registered the ancient Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage site last July.

Cambodia attempted to propose a temple management plan to the WHC, but Thailand opposed the move as problem of the contested 4.6sqkm of land near the temple remains unresolved, leading to several military clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Cambodian, Thai Leaders Vows To Avoid Armed Clashes

PHNOM PENH, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva have pledged to avoid armed clashes along the shared border, according to Vietnam news agency.

That is one of the four points both leaders reached consensus upon during their 40-minute meeting on the sidelines of the US-ASEAN Summit in New York last week, said Cambodia's Secretary of State of the Office of the Council of Ministers Prak Sokhon.

Sokhon said the two prime ministers agreed to promote cooperation and increase the exchanges of arts and sports delegations, jointly examine the possibility of opening the Stung Bot border gate to boost two-way trade and upgrade the Poipet checkpoint to an international tourism border gate.

They also agreed to jointly monitor media reports in both countries to avoid misunderstanding, he said.

According Sokhon, the two leaders planned to meet for talks when they attend the Asia-Europe Meeting in Brussels and the ASEAN summit in Hanoi later this year.

Kasit outlines plan to boost relations with Cambodia

September 28, 2010
The Nation

But the row over Preah Vihear is unresolved, as the joint boundary committee has been unable to resume meetings to settle the boundary dispute (until minutes of previous meetings are approved by the Thai Parliament)

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said yesterday he was mapping out a new plan to restore diplomatic relations with Cambodia, by encouraging local authorities on the border to have more engagement with their counterparts.

The plan would set guidelines for local agencies and national administrators to try to boost relations with Cambodia after ties soured due to a diplomatic row between the two governments mostly over the appointment of ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser to Phnom Penh and disagreement over World Heritage listing of the Hindu temple at Preah Vihear.

The plan would encourage local agencies, both military and civilian, to have direct contact with Cambodian counterparts, he said.

Provinces bordering with Cambodia should create more activities to strengthen ties with their neighbours via cultural events, sports competition, academic exchanges as well as humanitarian cooperation, the minister said.

Local residents along the border should be registered in both countries to prevent them from being punished if they accidentally crossed the boundary line to collect forestry resources, he said.

"The authorities of the two countries should be flexible for local residents who accidentally cross the boundary merely to collect forestry items," he said.

And the military should conduct a joint operation to clear the border of landmines, he added.

The central government's plan to improve relations was that Thailand would continue giving economic assistance to Cambodia as well as increasing cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, he said.

The Foreign Ministry would invite Cambodia's Information minister, rather than Foreign minister, as well as Cambodian media reps to visit Thailand to exchange information, he said.

"Now the situation is improving, we hope they will accept our invitation," he said.

Kasit's new plan was initiated after a meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen in New York last week.

The governments were at loggerheads over Thaksin's position as an economic adviser to Hun Sen and the Preah Vihear temple since last year. The two countries normalised diplomatic relations last month after Thaksin stepped down from that role. But the row over Preah Vihear is unresolved, as the joint boundary committee has been unable to resume meetings to settle the boundary dispute (until minutes of previous meetings are approved by the Thai Parliament).

[Thai] Govt pushes new border checkpoints [with Cambodia]

Kasit: ‘Understanding vital to bilateral ties’

28/09/2010
Thanida Tansubhapol
Bangkok Post

They also agreed to allow border problems - particularly the dispute over the Preah Vihear temple - to be settled by legal processes.

NEW YORK : The Foreign Ministry is preparing to review a proposal to open new temporary checkpoints along the Cambodian border as part of a plan to restore relations.

The proposal to open new checkpoints was put on hold while relations cooled between the two countries, only thawing recently when the two agreed to return their ambassadors to each other's capital.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya did not specify yesterday where the border checkpoints would be located but said the spots had been picked and would be in areas safe from landmines.

The checkpoints would facilitate the flow of travel and tourism between the two countries, Mr Kasit said, adding the two countries must adhere to the principle of mutual understanding.

The plan would be forwarded for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's consideration soon and the minister expected cooperative efforts between the two countries to begin next month.

The development came after Mr Abhisit met with Cambodian leader Hun Sen late last week in New York for the first time following a series of diplomatic spats that began with Phnom Penh's appointment of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser last November. The two leaders agreed to exchange information at all levels and to check all facts before reacting publicly to developments.

They also agreed to allow border problems - particularly the dispute over the Preah Vihear temple - to be settled by legal processes.

Mr Kasit said he would propose to Phnom Penh that the two countries register the names of Thais and Cambodians who cross the border regularly to forage in forests so that they do not fall victim to human trafficking or end up in illegal trades such as timber logging.

He said the measure would help the two sides react more diplomatically in cases where border encroachment is suspected.

Mr Kasit said his ministry would work with the navy and the Defence Ministry to promote cultural exchange activities in border provinces such as Chanthaburi and Trat.

The minister also said he planned to invite Cambodia's information minister and media representatives from the country to Thailand to prevent further misunderstandings from arising due to inaccurate media reports. The trip would follow up on a recent visit made by Prime Minister's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul to Phnom Penh.

Foreign Ministry to draft plan to revive Thai-Cambodian bilateral ties

NEW YORK, Sept 27 (MCOT online news) - Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Monday that the ministry will draft a plan to revive Thai-Cambodian bilateral ties with cooperation by many sectors and at various levels before forwarding it for the prime minister's approval soon.

The foreign minister made the remarks after Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen talked for half an hour on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York agreeing that warm relations between the two neighbouring countries are vital for the benefit of their people.

The diplomatic standoff between the two neighbouring countries resulted in part from Cambodia’s unilateral management plan for the environs of the ancient Preah Vihear temple that sits on contested land claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

Mr Kasit said he will start the drafting process once he returns to the Thai capital and expects to forward it for the premier's approval soon.

The plan to restore the relationship with Cambodia includes operations and activities at both local and central levels, Mr Kasit said. For local operations, the foreign ministry will coordinate with the Second Army Area, the Royal Thai Navy, and with the governors of provinces adjacent to the Cambodian border.

Cultural, sports and academic exchange activities between the peoples of the two kingdoms will be held, while medical and humanitarian aid as well as landmine clearance and disposal operations will be conducted mutually, according to the foreign minister.

"We also want to seek cooperation with Cambodian authorities in the registration of Thai and Cambodian [nationals] living along the borders and foragers in order to avoid violence in case they stray and accidentally trespass into the [other country's] territory," said Mr Kasit.

"Troops of both sides can contact each other. When a problem occurs, they should talk to avoid the use of violence and must be able to identify and distinguish local residents foraging along the border from criminal rings.

"We must speed up joint operations in suppressing criminals and syndicates smuggling illegal products," Mr Kasit said.

The Thai foreign minister said the opening of more border checkpoints should be opened to facilitate trades, transportation and tourism along the border. But the checkpoints should be opened in appropriate areas which are not under disputed area or risk for stepping over landmines.

The policy at the central level is involved with assistance in development roles in various fields. The draft will cover operations for the new [fiscal] year which will begin in October, he said.

Mr Kasit also expressed hope that Cambodian Minister of Information and Cambodian media will accept his invitation to visit Thailand and discuss the ongoing disputes to create better understanding between the two nations.

Thai-Cambodian border trade lively after PM's pledge to improve relations

BANGKOK, Sept 26 (MCOT online news) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has agreed to improve bilateral relations with Thailand - relations which have been impeded by border dispute near an ancient temple, according to his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Speaking Sunday during his weekly TV and radio address, Mr Abhisit said his meeting with Mr Hun Sen on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly in New York on Friday produced fruitful results as both agreed that relations between the two countries should become lively.

He said he will meet several times with Mr Hun Sen during upcoming sessions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to which both countries belong.

Friday's meeting of the two leaders was the first time after UNESCO's World Heritage Commission acted in late July to postpone its decision over Cambodian's unilateral plan to manage the Preah Vihear temple complex following an objection by the Thai government.

Their cordial discussions in New York caused cross-border trade in the Thai border district of Phu Sing district in Si Sa Ket provjnce to become lively again early Sunday, said Hattachai Pengchaem, who heads the trade and tourism operators association in Chong Sa-ngam.

Residents from both sides of the border crossed over and exchanged consumer goods, Mr Hattachai said.

Cross border trade will again become lively, traders said, in response to seeing pictures of Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister Abhisit being cordial to one another.

"Seeing both men shaking hands during the [New York] meeting in local newspapers," Mr Hattachai said, was creating an improved spirit on the border.

"This is a good sign. Our peoples will gain more confidence and [the meeting] will help boost tourism, especially for Cambodia, "Mr Hattachai added.

Alongkorn and Ong-art's Siamese sweet talk visit to Hun Xen

Hun Xen listening to Ong-art's (L) sweet talk

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn wins over his hosts in Phnom Penh with his humility - PM's Office Minister Ong-art builds on thawing relations with Cambodia with his own visit

4/09/2010
Bangkok Post
ABOUT Politics

Made of the right diplomatic stuff

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot has finally emerged from the shadows and is eager to show what he is made of.

Mr Alongkorn recently paid an official visit to Cambodia, the first cabinet minister to have done so since bilateral ties were soured by the diplomatic spat over the Preah Vihear temple.

He apparently was determined to turn the visit into an opportunity to showcase his vision as befits a deputy commerce minister.

Cambodia was added to a list of neighbouring countries he has called upon to boost trans-border trade. His visit to Burma was thought to have helped defuse the simmering row between border authorities that is blamed for the temporary suspension of commerce in the bustling Mae Sot-Myawaddy area.

With Cambodia, Mr Alongkorn envisions a revival of a special economic zone project in Poipet opposite Aranyapathet. In 2004, more than 2,500 rai of land was designated for the zone, but the political will to push the project through has been lacking.

After touring the site, however, Mr Alongkorn felt that an area in Ban Rai village of Aranyaprathet could be more suitable for development into an economic boom town.

From the border checkpoint, the deputy commerce minister travelled on to Phnom Penh for a meeting with media representatives from Thailand and Cambodia.

At the ''Minister Meets the Press'' meeting organised by the Asean reporters' federation, Mr Alongkorn lost no time in putting his exceptional verbal talents to good use.

Before dignitaries, including Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Nhek Bunchay, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith and Deputy Commerce Minister Kim Sitan, Mr Alongkorn won over his Cambodian hosts with his humility.

He told them he had stayed up late on his first night in Cambodia because he was practising hard to sign his name in Khmer. ''And now I've got the hang of it,'' he said.

He then proceeded to sign his name on a piece of paper, drawing visible admiration from those assembled.

Mr Alongkorn then went for the kill. Towards the end of his speech, he said: ''We may not be able to correct history, but we can build a better future together.'' The statement was met with a thunderous round of applause.

He insisted that the troubled friendship between the two countries be smoothened out. ''It's like pebbles in our shoes. We need to remove them so we can walk with ease,'' he said.

The persistent conflict was holding back progress for both countries. Tighter economic cooperation was the way forward.

Grabbing a bite of khanom tarn (small cakes made from tarn palm), the deputy minister commented that the Cambodian version of the sweet has a superior taste even to the khanom tarn produced in his native Phetchaburi, dubbed Thailand's capital of traditional sweets.

He compared the wholesome khanom tarn of Cambodia to that country's richness in resources and economic potential.

Mr Alongkorn's visit was given extensive coverage by the local media. The success of the visit has bolstered his reputation as a minister who steals the show.

Sweet talker sugars relations

PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul's recent visit to Cambodia was well timed as the rocky relations with Thailand's neighbour have been showing signs of improvement.

His trip followed hot on the heels of an official visit to Phnom Penh last week by Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot. Mr Alongkorn's mission was to boost economic cooperation with Cambodia.

Both countries have reinstated their ambassadors to the respective capitals after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra resigned from his post as economic adviser to the Cambodian prime minister, a position that had helped keep bilateral ties frosty.

Now that diplomatic ties are on the road to becoming normalised, both countries are putting their best foot forward in restoring relations.

Mr Ong-art, a seasoned politician and also former secretary to former foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan, is fully aware of the cautious diplomatic approach he must take with Phnom Penh.

He must work towards confidence-building so discussions can take place on sensitive topics, such as the long-standing dispute involving the Preah Vihear temple.

A good listener with a humble manner, Mr Ong-art has worked well in exercising his diplomatic leverage over the temple dispute and Cambodia's warm reception of Thaksin.

Mr Ong-art's reconciliatory tone in talks with Cambodia's veteran Information Minister Khieu Kanharith created a positive atmosphere at the meeting. The two agreed that improving communications between the two countries would benefit the citizens of both countries.

Both are former journalists, which might have helped to facilitate talks.

Mr Kanharith emphasised the need for reporters from both nations to maintain professionalism and avoid inciting people in their bilateral conflict.

The ministers were looking forward to the establishment of an information exchange system.

Concerts might also be held as a cultural exchange measure between the countries.

Mr Ong-art also plans to organise a ''Visit Thailand'' project, an orientation programme for Cambodian journalists to lift their understanding of this country.

Mr Ong-art was even granted an unexpected courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Departing totally from his usually unflattering tone when speaking about Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Hun Sen conveyed his praise for Mr Abhisit through Mr Ong-art.

He said Mr Abhisit is a well educated and smart young leader who is very experienced in many areas.

Sweet talk aside, it remains to be seen when the prickly issue of the Preah Vihear temple will flare up again.

Thai Deputy PM believes Thai-Cambodian ties will improve

Mr Suthep also said Thailand resumes loans for Cambodia for road construction without any conditions attached.

BANGKOK, Aug 26 (MCOT online news) - Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday he believed bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia will gradually improve after the reinstatement of the two countries’ ambassadors.

Regarding possible bilateral talks between leaders of the two countries, he said the matter from now on rests with the leaders of both countries pending appropriate times and venues.

Cambodian ambassador You Aye returned to Bangkok on Wednesday, one day after Thai envoy Prasas Prasasvinitchai arrived in Phnom Penh to resume his posting.

The Thai government recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh last November in protest against Cambodia's appointment of fugitive ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as its economic adviser. Cambodia retaliated by recalling its ambassador.

The Cambodian government on Monday announced that Mr Thaksin had resigned from his post. The Thai government then decided to send its ambassador back to Cambodia.

Regarding the three Thai villagers detained in Cambodia's Siem Riep province for over a week, the deputy prime minister said efforts have been made through negotiations at many levels to help secure them. He pledged the government would continue working to bring them home.

Meanwhile, Papob Korthai, an assistant district chief in the northeastern province of Surin led relatives of Thai villagers detained in Cambodia to visit them at the prison.

They crossed the border in Sa Kaeo province's Aranyaprathet to visit the trio. Cambodian officials provided a van to pick them up at the border.

A Thai official said the trip was to bring relatives to visit the detainees as Cambodia has not yet released them, but pending release, they will return home with the team.

The detainees are Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet, and Lan Sapsri, arrested while collecting forest products along the Thai-Cambodian border in Thailand's northeastern province of Surin.

In a related matter, Mr Suthep also said Thailand resumes loans for Cambodia for road construction without any conditions attached.

It is Thailand's policy of peaceful coexistence to provide support to develop people’s livelihood in neighbouring countries, he said.

Thailand Mulls Returning Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri, speaks to VOA, while on a visit to Washington for a nuclear summit. (Photo: VOA)

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington DC Thursday, 15 April 2010

Thailand is considering returning its ambassador to Cambodia, following a slight thaw in relations between the two countries, a senior Thai minister said Monday.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said assured Thailand last week that Cambodia would not be used by ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra as a political base to attack the current government, which is weathering a prolonged protest in Bangkok.

Such assurances had made the government “very happy,” said Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankiri, on a visit to Washington for a nuclear summit. “So now we are considering sending our ambassador back.”

Trairong told VOA Khmer in Washington Monday that Thailand wanted to normalize its relations with Cambodia, but he would not give a date when an ambassador would return.

Both sides withdrew their respective ambassadors in November 2009, following the appointment of Thaksin as economic adviser to Hun Sen. Cambodia and Thailand remain at odds over the border near Preah Vihear temple and a sea boundary agreement.

A Cambodian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said Thailand had not yet sent an official letter concerning reinstating an ambassador. Cambodia will send its own ambassador back “15 minutes” after the Thais return theirs, the spokesman said.

Khmer Intelligence News - 09 April 2010

KHMER INTELLIGENCE NEWS

09 April 2010

Cambodia recovers a strip of her territory in Svay Rieng province (2)

A recent border incident -- uprooting of “temporary border posts” by opposition parliamentarians and protesting villagers in Svay Rieng province in October 2009 -- and the subsequent investigation involving international independent experts into the controversial border demarcation process over the last few years, have resulted in Cambodia’s recovering a 10-kilometer-long, 500-meter-wide strip of her territory. However, for face-saving reasons, government border authorities are reluctant to recognize the new situation and are tentatively giving inconsistent explanations to the fact that “temporary border posts” # 184, 185, 186 and 187 have been moved back toward the East by 570 m, 516 m, 720 m and 510 m respectively. See related documents at http://tinyurl.com/yyoqa2n

China behind improvement in relations between Cambodia and Thailand (2)

Two reliable diplomatic sources have indicated that China recently put strong pressure on the Cambodian government to stop stirring up trouble in Thailand by openly interfering in the neighbouring country’s internal affairs. China wants to preserve peace and stability in South-East Asia and wants to prevent Vietnam from gaining more influence in the region. Vietnam is believed to be behind Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s aggressive behaviour aimed at weakening Thailand. This was already the case in the violent anti-Thai riots in Phnom Penh in January 2003.

Hun Sen expects oil revenue from Chevron to help finance CPP election campaign in 2012 (2)

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said earlier this week he would terminate his country's contract with Chevron if the US energy giant does not begin oil production from offshore fields by late 2012. This warning is just a way to tell Chevron to be ready to help finance the ruling CPP campaign for the 2013 general elections in Cambodia.

CPP behind merger of “royalist” parties (2)

The ruling CPP is currently pushing Funcinpec and the Nationalist Party (formally Norodom Ranariddh Party) to merge at the latest in 2012. The CPP needs a better-looking coalition partner under the form of a single and united “royalist” party. But in fact, the partner will keep having no power whatsoever, its only role being a pure endorsement of the former communist party in a more credible manner. The so-called royalist movement has been going down the drain not because of its internal divisions based on personal interests as reflected in party names, but because of its general and mercantile subservience to the CPP.

A Cambodian fake witness before the French Court (2)

At a court hearing in Paris on 25 March 2010, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong, who is engaged in a defamation lawsuit against opposition leader Sam Rainsy, surprisingly came with Prince Sisowath Chittara as a “witness”. Prince Sisowath Chittara told the French Judges that, during the Khmer Rouge era, he was incarcerated in a “death camp” in Cambodia. He “explained” to the Judges how such a camp functioned and how the Khmer Rouge chose a leader among the camp prisoners. The “witness” did all this with the aim of “proving the innocence” of Mr. Hor Nam Hong who, between 1977 and 1979, left his mark in the Boeng Trabek re-education camp. However, a 1986 book by Retired King Norodom Sihanouk titled “Prisoner of the Khmer Rouge,” proves that Prince Sisowath Chittara blatantly lied to the French Justice. See related evidence in French with translation in English at http://tinyurl.com/y9q6mnx

Hor Nam Hong might be the first top government official to appear before the ECCC (2)

Hoping to win the above-mentioned defamation lawsuit in France, Mr. Hor Nam Hong might finally accept to appear as a witness before the ECCC (the international tribunal in Cambodia) in order to show the French Judges in Paris his good will and consistency. He would then have to answer some questions such as:

- Why not help international justice – the only one that is independent and credible in Cambodia – to lift somewhat the cryptic assessment made by [most authoritative expert] Father François Ponchaud on you: “The role of Hor Nam Hong at Boeng Trabek is not clear”? (http://www.eurasie.net/webzine/spip.php?article824)

- Why not give the Tribunal convincing evidence to answer the question that [well-known French reporter] François Deron openly asked about your role at the Boeng Trabek prison camp when he talked about the need to “sort out between the Kapos and the real prisoners, between the cowards and the victims”? (The Khmer Rouge Trial – Thirty years of investigation into the Cambodian genocide, Gallimard, 2009).

- Why not discuss calmly with the judge the accusations made against you by your former co-prisoner Keo Bunthouk who said that, through your denunciations to the Khmer Rouge, you "sent children and adults [from the Boeng Trabek community] to the Tuol Sleng torture prison (...), and no one came back" ? (The Cambodia Daily, 13-14 January 2001, "Senate Continues Spirited Debate on KR Bill").

See list of possible questions to Mr. Hor Nam Hong in French and English at http://tinyurl.com/yk7wr2u

[End]

Thai-Cambodian relations improves: Kasit

Friday, April 09, 2010
The Nation

Hanoi - Thai-Cambodia relations have ameliorated greatly due to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's positive comment, according to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Kasit, who attended the just concluded Asean Summit here this morning, said that on the sideline of the summit, he met Hun Sen. "He was very positive. He also dismissed the report that the red shirts used the Cambodian airwave," Kasit said.

Relations between the two countries were downgraded last year when the fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra was appointed Hun Sen's economic advisor, which has set off verbal war between both sides.

Kasit said both countries are now considering tangible measures that would increase mutual confidence.