Chavalit not going to Cambodia

PUEA THAI MPS TO BRING BACK ENGINEER AFTER HIS RELEASE

13/12/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh will not fly to Cambodia to bring back a Thai engineer who will be released from jail tomorrow after being granted a royal pardon in a spying case, an aide said yesterday.

But the opposition Puea Thai Party's plan to ask its MPs to accompany Simarak na Nakhon Phanom and her 31-year-old son Sivarak Chutipong, an engineer who worked for the Cambodian Air Traffic Services (CATS), home tomorrow remains in place.

Piratch Sawamiwas, a close aide of Gen Chavalit, said the general has decided not to travel with the Puea Thai MPs to Cambodia despite the fact that he had played a key role in his release.

"He doesn't want to face more criticism that the engineer's detention and release was a set-up. He just wants to remain behind the scenes," said Lt Gen Piratch.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to join the event in Cambodia.

Thaksin announced on his Twitter page yesterday that he would be making a week-long trip to the region to visit the leaders of three Asian countries.

However, the countries were not named.

"I have asked for permission to travel to exchange views with three leaders in Asia and I will try to stay connected with you via Twitter, SMS or online radio programmes," Thaksin wrote without offering further details.

When Thaksin's close aide and legal adviser Noppadon Pattama was reached for confirmation of the Cambodian trip, he denied having any knowledge about it.

An official in Cambodia's Poipet township told reporters yesterday that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had instructed authorities in Poipet and the border province of Banteay Meanchey to prepare to welcome the Puea Thai MPs flying in tomorrow.

However, the official could not confirm if Thaksin would fly into Cambodia on that day.

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni granted a pardon to Sivarak on Friday, three days after he was sentenced to seven years in prison for spying.

Sivarak was found guilty by a Cambodian court of stealing the flight plan of Thaksin ahead of his visit to Cambodia last month as Cambodia's economic adviser.

Sivarak was arrested by Cambodian authorities on Nov 12, two days after Thaksin arrived in Phnom Penh by private jet and one day after the first secretary at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, Kamrob Palawatwichai, was expelled for asking Sivarak to divulge the information.

The case soured relations between the two countries.

Sivarak will be released from jail following a pardon which was granted on humanitarian grounds.

Cambodia says that Thaksin played a key role in the release by personally phoning Hun Sen and enlisting his help in seeking a royal pardon.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday offered no comment on the matter.

A pawn in the vicious political ball game

Saturday December 12, 2009
THAI TAKES WITH PHILIP GOLINGAI
The Star Online (Malaysia)

IF you are a pawn caught in the middle of a political dogfight between the Abhisit Vejjajiva-led government and the double team of Thaksin Shinawatra-Hun Sen, what will happen if you are caught in Cambodia passing Thaksin’s flight schedule to a Phnom Penh-based Thai diplomat?

Answer: The Phnom Penh Municipal Court will sentence you to seven years in jail and a fine of 10 million riels (about RM8,200).

Siwarak Chotipong, a 31-year-old Thai engineer working for the Thai-owned Cambodia Air Traffic Ser­­­­vices (Cats), was found guilty on Tuesday by a Cambodian court for espionage (stealing information relevant to Thaksin’s flight plan to Cambodia).

“Obtaining the flight schedule was very important for the Thai government, but it severely endangered Thaksin,” Judge Ke Sakhan said, reading the verdict against Siwarak. “It also affected the national security of Cambodia.”

Thaksin’s flight schedule was “sensitive information” as Thaksin is now a high-ranking Cambodian government adviser, said Phnom Penh court deputy prosecutor Sok Roeun.

“His flight schedule is not a simple document like a wedding invitation,” he said.

The court hearing was held as relations between the two neigbouring countries hit an all-time low.

Thailand withdrew its ambassador in Phnom Penh after Cambodia appointed Thaksin as economic adviser. And in retaliation, Cambodia recalled its ambassador in Bangkok.

The “sad truth” of the court verdict, according to the Bangkok Post in an editorial on Thursday, is Siwarak is “a mere pawn caught in the middle of a vicious political ball game between the Democrat-led government and Thaksin, with Hun Sen openly taking the latter’s side”.

“Therefore, it should not be surprising if the victim’s mother, Simarak na Nakhon Phanom, has opted to seek help from (Thaksin) and (the pro-Thaksin political party) Pheu Thai chairman General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, instead of the Thai Foreign Ministry in seeking a royal pardon from Cambodia for her convicted son,” editorialised the English-language Thai newspaper.

According to The Phnom Penh Post, a royal pardon was a likely scenario in the intensely politicised case.

It quoted Cambodian Centre for Human Rights president Ou Virak as saying that there were likely “politics being played behind the scenes” for Siwarak’s release.

Ou Virak said the case was a “major embarrassment” for Thai Prime Minister Vejjajiva and “it presented the opportunity for Hun Sen to either seek rapprochement with Abhisit or lend further support to Thaksin and Pheu Thai”.

“The question is: what message does the Cambodian side want to send, and which side are they going to pick?” Ou Virak said.

However, the Bangkok Post editorialised: “For now, it does not really matter which side will eventually get the credit for resolving this unfortunate human drama so long as the victim is brought home. What really matters and is indeed very disturbing, is that the ongoing political feud has become regionalised and gone many steps too far.”

But tell that to the Democrat, the backbone of Abhisit’s coalition government.

Democrat Party spokesman Thepthai Senpong was surprised that Simarak was seeking a royal pardon for her son through the opposition party Pheu Thai.

“I’m surprised by Simarak’s decision to help her son without asking for the Foreign Ministry’s assistance, because this is not in line with international practice,” he told the media. “I wonder if Thaksin, Chavalit and Hun Sen have more prominent roles than the Cambodian king.”

In politically-divided Thailand, Sirivak’s role in the diplomatic row, unsurprisingly, has taken a political dimension.

In a column called “Ask The Editors” in The Nation, an English-language Thai newspaper, Tulsathit Taptim wrote about the far-fetched theory that Siwarak was “in fact a (pro-Thaksin) red-shirted agent who was ‘planted’ as a Thai government spy so that he could be arrested on charges of espionage in order to embarrass Bangkok and allow Thaksin play a heroic saviour”.

“Those believing this theory have forgotten one key factor: Siwarak was allegedly acting in liaison with the Thai Embassy, which, appropriate or not, wanted him to find out what Thaksin was up to on his controversial arrival in Phnom Penh.

Without this embassy connection, it might have been plausible that Siwarak was a double-agent on a mission to humiliate the Thai government,” Tulsathit wrote.

Spy or not, Siwarak is clearly a pawn.

■ Siwarak has been pardoned by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and will be sent home on Monday.

[Alleged Thai spy] Sivarak's info 'could destabilise govt'

7/12/2009
Bangkok Post

Accused Thai spy Sivarak Chutipong could reveal information that will destabilise the government when he eventually returns to Thailand from Cambodia, Puea Thai MP for Kanchanaburi province Ma Phongam said on Monday.

Mr Sivarak, 31, an employee of Thai-owned Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested on Nov 12 on charges of stealing sensitive state information, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's flight plan when he visited Phnom Pehn, and passing it to a Thai diplomat.

The Cambodian court will give its verdict on the case on Tuesday. Mr Sivarak, who is detained in Prey Sar prison, could receive up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

"The case is over if the court finds Mr Sivarak innocent. But if he is guilty, a royal pardon will be sought and it would be up to the Cambodian king," Mr Ma said.

The opposition MP said former prime minister and party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh wanted to help out because he had close ties with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen. He pointed out that the Cambodian government had denounced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"This case does not need Thaksin's help. Gen Chavalit can handle this," he said.

He repeated claims the party was not indulging political one-upmanship by helping Mr Sivarak, but was intent on helping a Thai in trouble.

"Let's wait until Mr Sivarak returns. The things he'll say will, I believe, affect the government's stability because he is the victim," Mr Ma said.

Ex-prime ministers ready to help Thai jailed in Cambodia

BANGKOK, Dec 6 (TNA) -- Former prime ministers Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Thaksin Shinawatra are prepared to assist a Thai engineer detained in Cambodia on spying charges and due to appear at his first hearing this Tuesday, said Prompong Nopparit, spokesman of the opposition Puea Thai Party on Sunday.

Both ex-prime ministers will employ their close personal contacts with the Cambodian government and coordinate with former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama in dealing with the government in Phnom Penh to free Siwarak Chutipong if he is found guilty, Mr Prompong said.

Fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin has been appointed economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

Mr Siwarak, an employee of Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested by Khmer police nearly a month ago on charges of passing information on the flight details of Mr Thaksin to Thai diplomats in Phnom Penh.

Mr Prompong said he would see the engineer’s mother, Simarak Na Nakhon Panom, when she leaves Bangkok for Cambodia early Monday. Mrs Simarak is expected to stay in Cambodia until the trial is over.

Lawyer Khieu Sambou is expected to seek a royal amnesty immediately if Mr Siwarak is found guilty, Mr Prompong said.

Gen Chavalit confident Thai jailed in Cambodia to be freed next week [-Collusion between Hun Xen's regime and Puea Thai?]

BANGKOK, Dec 5 (TNA) – The head of Thailand’s opposition, Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, chairman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said Saturday he is confident that the Thai engineer detained in Cambodia on spying charges will be freed after appearing at his first hearing next week.

Reiterating that his political party is not playing ‘political games’ as suggested by some critics, Gen Chavalit, a former prime minister, said Simarak Na Nakhon Panom, mother of jailed Thai national Siwarak Chutipong, believed that a trial would take a long time if a bail request is made.

The employee of Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS) was arrested by Cambodian police nearly a month ago on charges of passing information on the flight details of fugitive, ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thai diplomats in Phnom Penh.

Mrs Simarak said she had decided to cancel her bail request plan as her son's new lawyer advised that the request will delay the case.

The mother also believes that if the Cambodian court finds her son guilty it would be better to seek a royal pardon from the Cambodian king and assistance is given by that government, Gen Chavalit said.

As Mr Siwarak will appear in court for his first hearing on Tuesday, Gen Chavalit said he is optimistic that there should be a “good news on December 9 or 10” and that the man should be released.

Criticism that the Puea Thai Party was behind the scene in the case as it has obtained a lot of information about the case, he said it would be bad if people’s hardships are being used as political ploy.

Gen Chavalit said his party is working behind the scene to help Thailand’s government agencies in helping secure the release of the man.

Puea Thai controls prisoner's pardon in Cambodia?

Chavalit: Accused spy will be pardoned

5/12/2009
Bangkok Post

Chairman of the Opposition Puea Thai Party Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said he was confident alleged Thai spy Sivarak Chutiphong would receive a pardon from the Cambodian government if convicted.

“If found guilty, the Cambodian government is ready to give pardon for the detained Thai engineer. There will be a good news after December 8,” Gen Chavalit said on Saturday.

The former prime minister reiterated that in helping Mr Sivarak, who is accused of passing classified information to a Thai diplomat, he ws not trying to steal the show from the government.

It was the wish of the accused man's mother, Simarak na Nakhon Phanom, he said.

[Thailand's] Opposition party expects 'big news' about alleged spy

Fri, Dec 04, 2009
The Nation/Asia News Network

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said yesterday there would be big news today, when a Cambodian court decides whether to grant bail for a Thai man accused by Phnom Penh of spying.

Chavalit did not clarify his "big news" but it was expected that the opposition party, which has good ties with the authorities in Phnom Penh, will help Sivarak Chutipong be freed on bail.

The Thai engineer, who worked for Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested on November 12 on a charge of stealing fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's flight information and passing it to a Thai diplomat, who was later expelled from Cambodia.

The Cambodian court is expected to rule on the case on Tuesday. If found guilty of threatening national security, Sivarak could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

His mother, Simarak na Nakhon Phanom, who returned yesterday from a visit to see him, consulted with Chavalit, urging him to replace human-rights advocate Kao Soupha as her son's defence lawyer.

A friend of Sivarak had introduced a new lawyer who was keen and understood the matter very well, she said.

Simarak has decided to rely on the opposition party as she feels the Foreign Ministry has moved slowly and has poor connections with Cambodian authorities.

With Pheu Thai facilitating, Simarak received a special welcome when she arrived in Phnom Penh to see her son for the second time on Wednesday.

She said her decision to seek assistance from Pheu Thai had nothing to do with the political conflict between the government and the opposition.

The Foreign Ministry arranged legal adviser and lawyer Kao Soupha for Sivarak and has prepared S$2,080-S$8,320 in cash for his bail guarantee, if requested by the court.

Due to sour relations between the two governments, the foreign ministry facilitated Simarak's first visit to her son just last Friday, two weeks after his arrest.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said yesterday the ministry had a clear policy of helping Thai nationals in trouble in a foreign country. "We will do what we can do for Thai people who have problems in a foreign country," he said.

The ministry would have no problem if Simarak wanted to change her son's defence lawyer, Kasit said.

Sivarak's case is part of a diplomatic row between Thailand and Cambodia since Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser and refused to extradite him to Thailand.

Angered by Thaksin's appointment, Thailand downgraded diplomatic relations with Cambodia, recalling its ambassador and reviewing aid projects.

Cambodian reciprocated tit-for-tat with Hun Sen saying it would reject all Thai aid, including financial assistance for road construction and scholarships for students.

Kasit said his government would continue to help boost living conditions and develop Cambodian human resources.

"It is a personal view if anybody wants or does not want to take Thai assistance, but we have a clear policy to bridge the gap among Asean members," he said.

Asked if he would step down as demanded by the coalition Chart Thai Pattana Party, Kasit said: "I work 24 hours and don't worry about that."

Chavalit slams PM on Cambodia row

2/12/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has slammed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for saying there could be someone trying to "instigate a situation" after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his unhappiness with Mr Abhisit and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Mr Abhisit should not say anything like this which could affect relations between the two countries without information to back it up, he said.

Gen Chavalkit refused to comment on Mr Hun Sen's aggressive stance.

He believed the government was trying to mend the situation, but it would take time to heal the conflict between the two governments.

Chavalit denies stealing the [Thai] government's thunder on Cambodia

December 2, 2009
The Nation

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Wednesday dismissed speculation about trying to outshine the government related to efforts to secure the release of a Thai engineer detained in Phnom Penh.

"Pheu Thai will remain ready to assist and not claiming credit for the government's work," he said.

Chavalit also urged the government to try fostering the good neighbourly ties in light of the critical remarks by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Navy slams Chavalit for 'distorting, politicising' spat

24/11/2009
Wassana Nanuam and Aekarach Sattaburuth
Bangkok Post

The navy has slammed Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for trying to "distort and politicise" the spat between Thailand and Cambodia.

The criticism by navy spokesman Prachachart Srisawat followed Gen Chavalit's statement that Cambodia had closed its waterways at the Cambodian province of Koh Kong , opposite Trat.

The navy and the government said Gen Chavalit's account was false. Gen Chavalit said he did not know why Cambodia closed the waterways but it was probably because there was conflict in the area or an illegal action had been committed.

But the navy spokesman said Cambodia was reviewing and regulating fishing concessions for Thai fishermen after the newly-appointed Koh Kong governor had scrapped the concession system initiated by his predecessor, Yuth Pouthang.

The move forced about 120 Thai fishing trawlers to stay anchored in port in Trat.

However, Capt Prachachart said Cambodia's regulating and reviewing of the new concession system was expected to be finished in a few days and the Thai trawlers could then resume operations.

The navy spokesman did not name the new Koh Kong governor. The Phnom Penh Post said on its website that Yuth Pouthang, who had been in the post for more than 10 years, was replaced by Bun Lert on Nov 12.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn confirmed checks had found Cambodia did not close the waterways.

He insisted the situation at Koh Kong had nothing to do with the Thai-Cambodian row.

The source said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wanted to adjust political game plans at Koh Kong, a bustling Cambodian border town.

The source said Hun Sen felt the former Koh Kong governor had been in the post for too long and had developed too close relations with Thais, particularly Democrat MPs in the area.

The source said Hun Sen also wanted the new governor to regulate Koh Kong to facilitate an investment plan by ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his business partners from the Middle East in order to develop Koh Kong into an entertainment complex.

Thailand denies access to Cambodian waters closed

BANGKOK, Nov 23 (TNA) - Thai government on Monday said Cambodia has not blocked the entry of Thai fishing boats into its territorial waters, as earlier claimed by opposition Puea Thai Party chairman Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Gen Chavalit, a former Thai premier, earlier said about one thousand of Thai trawlers and fishing boats were not allowed to enter the Cambodian waters to make their living after the Cambodian government ordered the closure of its territorial waters.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday denied Gen Chavalit's remarks, saying that the matter is untrue as concerned authorities has not verified that the news is true.

Panitan Wattanaykorn, acting government spokesman said he has verified the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and the Royal Thai Navy and has been reaffirmed that the waters were not closed as reported.

He reasoned that the Thai trawlers cannot enter Cambodian waters because their licences had expired and it will take time to renew the licence as the governor of Cambodia's Kong Island has just been changed.

"The prime minister has instructed concerned agencies to coordinate and facilitate the Thai fishing boats," said Mr Panitan. "I reaffirmed that the blocking of Thai trawlers into Cambodian waters has nothing to do with recent diplomatic spat of the two kingdoms as Thai boats with licences are still allowed to enter the areas."

Mr Panitan added that relations between Thailand and Cambodia have gradually improved. Indicating that Thailand’s assistant to the justice minister met with his Cambodian counterpart and received a warm welcome from the Cambodian deputy prime minister.

The spokesman, however, declined to comment on the latest news report that a daughter of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen planned to hold shares in Thai-owned Cambodia Traffic Air Services (CATS) after the Cambodian government temporarily took over management of the firm.

Dr Panitan said only that he was aware of the story from news reports, but that the Thai government has a clear stance not to comment on Cambodia's domestic affairs and has reiterated the stance with all spokespersons of the Thai ministries.

Diplomatic row between Thailand and Cambodia flared up when the Cambodian government appointed fugitive Thai former premier Thaksin Shinwatra as its economic adviser and personal adviser to Mr Hun Sen, while rejecting Thailand's extradition request regarding Mr Thaksin.

The ambassadors of the two countries were recalled, while Thailand terminated the joint memorandum of understanding (MoU) on maritime affairs which included shared access to undersea mineral resources.

Cambodia then arrested a Thai engineer working at CATS on spy charges after he was found releasing Mr Thaksin’s flight details and expelled the Thai first secretary to Phnom Penh.

Thai govt check report that Cambodia closed waters

Mon, November 23, 2009
The Nation

Thai government on Monday assigns authorities concerned to check Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's claim that Cambodia closed territorial waters for Thai fishing boats.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he just learnt of Chavalit's claim.

"Authorities concerned are checking accuracy of the report," Suthep said.

Chavalit earlier told reporters that Cambodia's waters were sealed off for unknown reason.

"I just learnt that Cambodia decided to seal off its territorial waters for Thai fishing boats. About 1,000 Thai boats had fished in the Khmer waters," he said.

He was not sure the reason of the closing. "It may cause by some conflicts. We should not make a speculation on the matter," Chavalit said.

Chavalit said the government will have to check the accuracy of the report.

Thailand and Cambodia have been in conflicts for weeks after the latter's appointment of ex-Thai Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Khmer PM and his government.

During Thaksin's visit to Phnom Penh last week, Cambodia expelled Thai first secretary of the embassy and arrested a Thai engineer working in Phnom Penh on charge of spying.

Referring to arrest of a Thai engineer, Chavalit said we should support the government which has tried its best to secure freedom of the engineer.

He will wait for the government's decision before looking into the matter.

Chavalit's Monday statement on the matter was opposite to what he said last week. Chavalit had said he would fly to Phnom Penh to pick up the engineer as he was expected to be freed after ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra stepped in by talking with Khmer PM Hun Sen.

Thais banned from Cambodian waters

23/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The Cambodian government has banned Thai fishermen from its territorial waters, opposition Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Monday.

Former prime minister Chavalit expressed concern over the Thai-Cambodian maritime dispute after more than 1,000 Thai trawlers could not enter Cambodia's territorial waters.

He called on the Thai government to end this problem quickly, as it has caused trouble for many fishermen.

"I don't know whether the problem has come about because of the Thai-Cambodian rift, and I don't want to make any predictions." Gen Chavalit said. "Former prime minister [Thaksin Shinawatra] and I are not the cause of the Thai-Cambodian row."

On the government's plan to help the detained Thai engineer in Cambodia, Gen Chavalit said he wanted to support the government and believed the government could resolve the situation.

"If the government fails to resolve it, I am ready to give a hand since I've made a promise with the engineer's mother that I will help him and ensure his safety."

On Nov 11, the Cambodian government arrested Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS) employee Siwarak Chutipong for allegedly stealing the flight information of Thaksin.

Thai engineer case will end soon: Chavalit

Chavalit advises PM to be careful

21/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai Party chairman Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Saturday that he did not believe there was a plot to assassinate Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as reported by the media, but the premier should not be indiscretion while visiting Chiang Mai.

Asked about the planned mass anti-government demonstrations from Nov 28 to Dec 2 by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Gen Chavalit said there should be no violence.

“UDD had staged demonstration for several times and learned that using violent maens makes no good to any parties”, Gen Chavalit said.

He confirmed that the mother of the detained Thai engineer, Sivarak Chutiphong, had asked for help from him but he recommended her to directly contact Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban instead.

Gen Chavalit said he had talked with senior persons of Cambodia and believes the Thai engineer case will end soon.

The opposition party chairman insisted that he had no idea about the secret audio clip of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya ordering a Thai official in Phnom Penh to obtain the flight schedule of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as claimed by his party MP.

Chavalit undecided whether to pick up Thai engineer

File photo shows Gen Chavalit shakes hands with Camodian PM Hun Sen after a meeting in Phnom Penh in October.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Nation

Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has not decided whether he would fly to Cambodia to bring back a Thai engineer charged for spying in Cambodia, his aide Chawaengsak Thongsaluay said on Wednesday.

Chawaensak said he needed time to verify the new reports related to Chavalit.

The Thai press reported from a Cambodia radio programme claiming Chavalit's involvement, he said.

According to the Cambodian report, Cambodian authorities are expected to try Siwarak Chotipong for spying before granting him a pardon. Then Chavalit is expected to escort him back home.

PR trickery across border

13/11/2009
Ploenpote Atthakor
Bangkok Post

What the Cambodian PM is not prepared for, perhaps, is the rising anti-Cambodia sentiment among the Thai general public, fuelled by the Thai media.

When the Thai government decided to recall its ambassador to Cambodia after Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed Thaksin Shinawatra as his economic adviser, many people including my colleagues here at the Bangkok Post, asked if the Thai government had overreacted in a move which eventually resulted in an intense diplomatic spat.

To me, the whole Hun Sen-Thaksin affair is just another PR trick by the former prime minister who is ready to do anything only to be at the centre of media attention, no matter what the consequences may be. After Songkran, when the red-shirt protesters forced the cancellation of the Asean meeting, Thaksin's struggle to draw media attention did not come out well. With his messages repeated, words from him became devoid of any sense of newsworthiness, and he knew it.

That is why he had to come up with new tactics. With cooperation from Hun Sen and Gen Chavalit "Big Jiew" Yongchaiyudh, the businessman-cum-politician-cum-fugitive found a way into the media spotlight again.

Like it or not, Thaksin seems born for this tricky job. His carefully planned travel to Phnom Penh this week grabbed the media's attention. Well, he had no fear of being extradited. Honestly, it is an unrealistic wish for Thailand in the first place to have Cambodia extradite this fugitive politician. After all, one should not forget that corruption is somehow not a punishable crime in that country. If we look back, no Cambodian politicians have ever been brought to justice for corruption since the country reopened to the world after the UN-brokered elections in 1993.

Again, the media is made to believe that it cannot afford to miss a word from the ex-PM. While I was writing this column, a large group of newshounds was gathering in Phnom Penh in the hope that Thaksin, who was to deliver a speech before some 300 Cambodian businessmen, would give them a chance for an interview. More space for the ex-PM's airy rhetoric?

At this very moment, it is obvious that both Hun Sen and Thaksin have maximised immediate political gains. Thaksin has enjoyed extensive media coverage while Hun Sen, playing the Thaksin card, can take a break from questions he has been facing at home about border issues with Vietnam. The arrival of Thaksin also deflects the attention of Cambodians from the ongoing trial of former Khmer Rouge cadres. After all, Hun Sen knows full well that without a strong political opponent, his PM's seat is more secure compared to the shaky one Mr Abhisit is sitting on.

What the Cambodian PM is not prepared for, perhaps, is the rising anti-Cambodia sentiment among the Thai general public, fuelled by the Thai media.

Since the first day that Hun Sen showed his support for the ex-PM, a number of journalists did not hesitate to stir up a nationalist sentiment.

Many jumped up to scratch open old scars from Thai-Cambodian history, linking Hun Sen's act with that of Cambodian King Lovek, known in Thai as Phraya Lavaek, who sought to liberate his kingdom from Siam during the reign of King Naresuan. This Cambodian king and his "betrayal" is cited every time Thai-Cambodian relations turn sour.

Others call for the government to close the borders as a way to "punish" Cambodia even though such a move would hurt people from both sides economically.

The thing is, such a drastic move can happen. When big politicians play their games, it is always the small people who suffer first. Besides, this is not the first time the two countries' relations have been strained.

Of course, what the Cambodian PM is doing is not acceptable by any standards and Thailand had no choice but to respond. But when the dust has settled both Cambodia and Thailand will have to come to their senses. It is not practical for them to hate each other for a long time - as happened in the past.

With so much at stake, the next move will be a difficult one for leaders of the two countries to maintian their gains. Under the circumstances the media must be prepared to play a constructive role and fulfil its task with maturity, not to fall into Thaksin's PR trap.

Ploenpote Atthakor writes for the Outlook section, Bangkok Post.

'If I breathe, I am seen as wrong'

Thaksin: Just a diversion

13/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Already strained relations between Thailand and Cambodia took a turn for the worse when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his government's and his own economic adviser.

After delivering a speech on economic issues to Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh yesterday, Thaksin talked to a small group of Thai journalists for the first time since his controversial appointment. Bangkok Post reporter ANUCHA CHAROENPO was among the group. The following are excerpts from the interview:

The Thai government views you as the main cause of the continuing conflict between the two countries. What is your comment?

The government must look at itself first [as to] who is responsible [for the conflict].

The government appointed the one [Kasit Piromya] as foreign minister. He attacked Prime Minister Hun Sen. Can I ask how he can build good relations with Cambodia?

After your appointment, the Thai government said it would revoke all memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries. What do you think?

I think how childish it [the government] is. Does the government think about the nation's benefits? I am not involved in it and have no duty. I have no problems about it. Today I have a duty to do anything that will greatly benefit the two countries. I accepted the position because I want to help our two countries, which have the same synergy. It is no longer the cold war. This is not a zero sum game that for us to prosper our neighbour has to lose. The two countries must work together for the future.

There are accusations being made against you in Thailand that you are betraying the nation. How do you feel?

It isn't true. These people [in the government] have a duty to accuse me of doing this and that. They feel that everything is my fault. [If I] just breathe I am viewed as doing the wrong thing.

Since your appointment, it seems some people in Thailand have tried to stir up nationalism.

Have you ever watched the American movie Wag The Dog in 1997 starring Robert De Niro? The movie was about the United States's economic problems. The US government diverted people's attention by creating a war instead of solving the problems.

This is like the [Thai] government today. They just want to divert people's attention from widespread corruption and their failure to solve the country's problems by blowing this issue out of proportion. I see that today Thailand must keep moving forward. Don't sink the country for politics.

Many polls in the country show that since your appointment, the [Thai] government's popularity has grown as it promotes the nationalist cause. What is your view?

Really? If it's true, please dissolve the House now and call a general election. Abhisit is not a dignified prime minister because he used many committees to help him and his government to rise to power while the largest party [Puea Thai] had to become the opposition.

If Abhisit dissolves the House, calls a general election and wins it, he will then be a dignified prime minister.

Before your appointment, you appointed Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as Puea Thai chairman to contact foreign leaders to pressure the Thai government. What is the aim?

I swear I have never ordered him to visit foreign countries. Everything he does is part of his own plan. I have no involvement. I think it's normal for him to visit foreign leaders in neighbouring countries because he has had good relations with them.

He was an army commander-in-chief and initiated the 66/23 Order to solve the problem of communism in the three Muslim-dominated provinces.

And now that he has a chance to come back to politics again, he must do anything he thinks will help.

As for your criminal case, when will you come back to fight it?

I think this case is politically motivated and I will return to Thailand when an opportunity comes to me.

What is the political future of Puea Thai, and your own future?

The political future of Puea Thai is still a long way off but, as for me, I am still uncertain.

If I have to choose, I would rather lead a peaceful life. I will make a comeback to politics if I have no more choices.

Are you nervous about the government's extradition treaty?

No, because there are no such cases in foreign countries. The foreign countries understand what is happening.

[How long do] you think the government will stay in power?

Everything depends on benefits. If the benefits are shared equally, surely the government can stay longer.

Abhisit disappointed in Chavalit

11/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Wednesday he was disappointed in opposition Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's activities against the government.

Former prime minister Chavalit's proposal for the government to dissolve the House of Representatives as quickly as possible was one-sided, Mr Abhisit said.

"I'm disappointed in Gen Chavalit because I thought he re-entered politics to bring about reconciliation, but so far his activities have created problems between Thailand and Cambodia," he said.

On ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's interview with The Times, in which he commented on the monarchy, Mr Abhisit said the tape of Thaksin's interview should be examined and then officials could decide whether to take legal action against him.

Chavalit not told of Thaksin P.Penh trip

9/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said he was not told about ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's plan to visit Cambodia on Nov 12.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Sunday that Thaksin would brief more than than 300 economic and finance offiials at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Phnom Penh this Thursday.

Hun Sen last week appointed Thaksin economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

Gen Chavalit said he would be on the far South again on Wednesday and Thursday, where he would continue with the idea of proposing a special Pattani City administrative area, since he coud see no other solution to ending southern unrest.

He said he was not discouraged by the strong opposition to the idea from many groups.

[Thai] Government hasn't over-reacted to the Cambodia saga

9/11/2009
Veera Prateepchaikul
Bangkok Post

When Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda made a controversial remark in his recent bid to warn Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, aka "Big Jiew", against joining the Puea Thai Party, I thought he was being a bit too harsh and probably had a negative perception of the opposition party.

As could be expected, Puea Thai felt offended and Big Jiew did not heed the warning, apparently to pursue his final journey in the world of dirty Thai politics.

How could joining the Puea Thai Party be perceived as betraying the country as Gen Prem claims? I didn't get it at all. But I do suspect that there are some in the Puea Thai Party who are so desperate that they will do anything, even soliciting the collaboration of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, to topple the Democrat-led government. Take, for instance, the case of one big shot in the party mailing Hun Sen a VCD containing a speech by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya criticising the Cambodian premier. Again, I doubt if overthrowing a government constitutes an act of betrayal against the country.

Veera Prateepchaikul is a former editor of Post Publishing Co Ltd.