Thailand Sending Thaksin Extradition Request To Cambodia

BANGKOK, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday that Thailand will formally submit to Cambodia a letter seeking the extradition of convicted ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra after he entered the neighbouring country, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

The Thai premier commented as Thaksin arrived in Phnom Penh Tuesday morning at the invitation of the Cambodian government which appointed the convicted ex-Thai premier as its economic adviser.

Abhisit said that the Office of the Attorney-General has given the letter seeking the extradition of Thaksin under the extradition treaty between the two countries to the Ministry of Foreign affairs and it will be sent to Cambodia once Thaksin's address there is identified.

"We have to find exactly where Thaksin is staying in Cambodia and how many days he will stay there," said Abhisit, "If the Cambodian government does not respond to our request, the foreign ministry will consider appropriate measures."

Regarding the Cabinet's decision to revoke the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on overlapping maritime boundaries signed by Thailand and Cambodia in 2001, the Thai premier reasserted that the revocation has resulted from the appointment of Thaksin as economic adviser for the Cambodian government.

Abhisit however said the cancellation of the MoU will only take effect once the matter is forwarded to the parliament for consideration under Article 190 of the Constitution.

"The government has carefully and thoroughly considered the revocation of the MoU because the issue can be argued," said Abhisit. "I reaffirm that the cancellation applies only on the overlapping maritime boundaries, not the contested areas around the Preah Vihear temple as being circulated in Cambodia to stir confusion."

Abhisit stated that the Thai government has made no move along the Thai-Cambodian border or near Preah Vihear temple.

Regarding Thaksin's interview with the online edition of the British daily The Times of London which is deemed as offending the monarchy, the Thai prime minister said he has instructed the foreign ministry to clarify the facts with local as well as international media and has assigned a legal team to scrutinise the content as to whether it is considered a violation of the lese majeste law.

Lese majeste is the crime of violating majesty, an offense against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state.

[Thai] Government seeking international community help in capturing Thaksin

November 10, 2009
The Nation

Thailand is turning the heat on fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra by asking fellow Asean members and others in the intentional community to assist the government's determination to capture the former premier.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said Tuesday besides Asean countries, the Interpol (International Police) and others in the international community have been asked to keep a look out for Thaksin's whereabout and to arrest him immediately and turn him over to the Thai authorities.

Panitan said all the documents along with evidence have been gathered and are ready to be submitted to the Cambodian authorities so they can arrest Thaksin.

Cambodia vows to refuse Thaksin Shinawatra extradition

Phnom Penh will decline any Thai request for former PM amid deepening row between south-east Asian neighbours

Tuesday 10 November 2009
Ben Doherty in Bangkok
guardian.co.uk

Cambodia will refuse any request from Thailand to extradite fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, after the billionaire landed his private jet at Phnom Penh airport today.

Thaksin will be in Cambodia for at least two more days, and Thai government officials have told the Guardian that as soon as his address in the country is known, they will file for his extradition. They hope to lodge the request today.

But while the two neighbours have an extradition treaty, Cambodia says it will ignore any request, saying Thaksin – who was sentenced by a Thai court in absentia last October to two years in prison for a conflict of interest over a land deal – was a political victim.

"We will not extradite him. We already clarified this case because he is a political victim," a foreign affairs spokesman, Kuoy Kong, said.

Thaksin, ousted from power by a military coup in 2006, is in Cambodia as an "economics adviser" to the government, a job offered to him by the country's prime minister, Hun Sen. He will speak to 300 economics experts in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, on Thursday.

It is Thaksin's friendship with Hun Sen that is at the heart of a worsening dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

In recent days, as a war of words between Bangkok and Phnom Penh over Thaksin has escalated, both governments have withdrawn their respective ambassadors and Thailand has torn up an agreement over maritime boundaries.

There is concern, too, that the long-running and violent dispute over the Preah Vihear temple on the border may flare up again. And while Bangkok has promised to keep the border open, tourism operators in Thailand are reporting that one in five trips to Cambodia have been cancelled by Thai holidaymakers.

A Thai government spokesman, Panitan Wattanayagorn, said the extradition request was imminent, and he expected it to be properly considered by Cambodia.

"As soon as we can confirm his whereabouts we will make the request, it is simply a technical requirement," Panitan said.

"It's up to the Cambodian court to decide whether to extradite him, but this will be the first time the court has had a chance to see evidence regarding Thaksin's conviction, and we would expect the court to look favourably upon our request."

Thailand's Thaksin arrives in Cambodia on controversial visit

Tuesday, 10 November 2009
James O’Toole and Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post

Fugitive ex-premier's trip likely to further deteriorate relations between Cambodia and Thailand.

THAILAND's deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in Phnom Penh Tuesday at the invitation of Cambodia's government in a move that is likely to escalate a diplomatic row that has already seen the two countries recall their ambassadors and plunged relations to their lowest point in six years.

Thaksin, who last week was appointed both an economic adviser to the government and a personal adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen – further inflaming Thai anger – is expected to deliver a lecture to hundreds of Cambodian economics experts on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong told the Post Tuesday he was unsure how long Thaksin would remain in Cambodia.

The ex-premier, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, arrived at the military air base adjacent to Phnom Penh International Airport in a small jet, and was briefly greeted by several Cambodian officials on the tarmac before being whisked away in a motorcade.

Thaksin's visit to Cambodia is the closest he has come to his country since living in self-exile to avoid a prison term for abuse of power charges handed down in absentia in 2008.

In a posting late Monday on his Web site, Thaksin claimed his trip to Cambodia was not an act of provocation.

“As I travel to Cambodia to discuss poverty and the world economic situation, I will try to preserve Thai interests with our friends in Phnom Penh, despite the Thai government still hounding me wherever I go,” he wrote.

“I will not go to Cambodia to help Cambodia fight with Thailand, but to exchange views and experiences on poverty-solving as well as new regional economics.”

Bangkok has vowed to seek the fugitive billionaire’s extradition, with Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy spokesman Thani Thongphakdi saying Monday that his government was already in the process of preparing the extradition documentation.

Cambodia, however, has maintained that Thaksin will not be extradited because he was prosecuted for “political reasons,” with Prime Minister Hun Sen comparing the ex-Thai leader to Myanmar opposition figure Aung San Suu Kyi during the 15th ASEAN summit in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin last month.

Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Kuong confirmed Tuesday that the government will “absolutely not” extradite Thaksin.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political analyst at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, said Sunday that in the event of Thaksin’s arrival in Cambodia, the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva “will be forced to step up the escalation spiral”.

He added, however, that both sides must own up to their responsibility for the breakdown in relations.

“Hun Sen has overstepped the line here – diplomatically, legally, politically,” he said.

“At the same time, the Abhisit government has to own up to its past deeds. Appointing [Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya] has been a liability, and now you can see the consequences. Allowing Sam Rainsy to speak in Thailand has added fuel to the fire. Allowing the right wing radical groups from the PAD [People's Alliance for Democracy] to protest at the [Preah Vihear temple] site… has added fuel to the fire.”

Cambodia asked to extradite Thaksin

10/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The government has already given instructions to begin seeking the extradition of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from Cambodia, Prime Ministe Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday.

Mr Abhisit was speaking after receiving vonfirmation that the fugitive politician had arrived at Phnom Penh airport this morning.

He admitted it would be difficult since Thaksin's exact whereabouts were not known, and particularly so if the former prime minister made only brief visits.

The prime minister called on the Cambodian government to think again why so many things that have caused Thai-Cambodian relations to deteriorate happened during the past two weeks.

He stressed that the cabinet decision to revoke a memorandum of understading with Cambodia involved only the disputed maritime boundery area, not the disputed border area surrounding Phreah Vihear temple.

Concerning Thaksin's interview with The Times, PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said the government had sent a letter explain its position with the news service and asked for a copy of the recording of the interview with Thaksin.

Since Thaksin claimed that www.timesonline.co.uk had twisted his words, the best way to get to the bottom of the matter was to listen to the recording, Mr Sathit said.

He believed The Times would cooperate.

Puea Thai party-list MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said the government was dumping a lot of money into a public relations campaign to destroy Thaksin.

Mr Jatuporn said the recent Abac Poll which said Thaksin's popularity had declined was not correct. He dared Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election now if the government really believed in the poll result.

He also claimed they distortion of Thaksin's words during the interview with The Times was deliberate and planned.

The Puea Thai MP said Thaksin was scheduled to meet with businessmen and economists in Cambodia today to exchange opinions.

He had received no confirmation from the former prime minister that he would withdraw from the advisory positions he was appointed to by Cambodia.

Ousted Thai premier Thaksin arrives in Cambodia

Tue, 10 Nov 2009
DPA

Phnom Penh/Bangkok - Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra landed in Cambodia Tuesday, the Cambodian government said, amid an escalating diplomatic spat over the fugitive politician. Government spokesman Phay Siphan told reporters in Phnom Penh that Thaksin, who last week was appointed as an adviser to the Cambodian government and Prime Minister Hun Sen, was in the country.

"It is a great honour for Cambodia," Phay Siphan said. "We hope Cambodia as a whole will greet him warmly."

Thailand withdrew its ambassador to Phnom Penh last week after the Cambodian government announced Thaksin's appointments. Cambodia reciprocated by recalling its ambassador as ties between the neighbours hit their lowest point in years.

Thailand has threatened to ask for Thaksin's extradition should he arrive in Cambodia, but Phnom Penh has said it would refuse to return him to his home country "under any circumstances" because it considers a conviction against him politically motivated.

"Once his arrival has been confirmed, I think the extradition request will proceed swiftly," Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said in Bangkok.

However, Phay Siphan told journalists that, because diplomatic channels were closed after Thailand withdrew its ambassador, he could not see how such a request could be delivered.

He stressed that Thaksin would not be permitted to engage in politics during his stay because to do so would be contrary to the country's constitution.

"He is here for economic reasons, not for any activities related to politics," he said. "You must understand that Cambodia does not allow [foreign nationals] to do politics within Cambodia at all."

Phay Siphan said Thaksin would stay at least two or three days. He was scheduled to deliver an address to Cambodian economists Thursday.

Ahead of Thaksin's arrival in Cambodia, the Thai cabinet on Tuesday revoked a Thai-Cambodian memorandum of understanding on joint oil and gas exploration in an overlapping continental shelf area. It had been signed in June 2001 when Thaksin was prime minister.

The Thai Parliament was expected to approve the cabinet move Tuesday afternoon, but the head of Cambodia's border commission, Var Kimhong, said the move would be against international law and would violate the memorandum.

"I could not find any term in these articles that allows the Thai side to terminate on its own without the consent of the [Cambodian] side," he said. "No single article allows one side to terminate."

Thaksin, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being toppled in a bloodless coup, faces a two-year jail sentence in Thailand for abuse of power. He has been living in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai, since August 2008.

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.

Catch me if you can

November 10, 2009
The Nation

Bureaucratic moves afoot to request Thaksin's tradition

The move to seek the extradition of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was proceeding at snail's pace through the Thai bureaucracy yesterday even as he was about to land in Phnom Penh for his first lecture on economic matters on Thursday.

Although Cambodia has vowed to throw out any extradition request, Bangkok seems determined to test that resolve. But Thailand's first hurdle could be its own bureaucratic clumsiness.

Sirisak Tiyaphan, chief prosecutor for foreign affairs at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said documentation for the extradition had already been prepared and that all that was needed to proceed was an official request from the Foreign Ministry.

"As soon as we know Thaksin's exact address in Cambodia, we will submit a document requesting extradition to Phnom Penh, in accordance with the extradition treaty between the two countries," he said.

However, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Vimon Kidchob said the ministry was awaiting the arrest warrant and related documents from the OAG.

"Once we obtain the document, we'll submit it through our embassy in Phnom Penh to seek extradition," she said.

Thailand has sent the same request to Fiji, Nicaragua and the United Arab Emirates but failed to establish an extradition trail in any of those countries so far.

Thailand and Cambodia signed an extradition treaty in 1998, but Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has said he will not extradite Thaksin to Thailand, because the treaty prohibits sending anyone to face punishment for a political offence.

Thaksin was appointed Hun Sen's economic adviser and is scheduled to give a lecture in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

Thaksin's appointment has worsened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The neighbours have already been at loggerheads over the Preah Vihear Temple since last year.

The two countries have downgraded their diplomatic relations, and Thailand has terminated a maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during Thaksin's administration in 2001.

The Cabinet today will consider the decision to terminate the MoU.

The diplomatic row may affect financing for Highway 68 from Surin to Siem Reap, as a Bt1.4-billion tranche is due for disbursement in the middle of next year, said Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency director Akarasiri Buranasiri.

"Still, it depends on the Thai government's policy. In the worst case, all funding will be stopped."

Cambodia could lose Bt30 billion to Bt40 billion in tourism revenue because of the conflict, which has encouraged European tourists to turn to northeastern Thailand instead, said Apichart Sankary, honorary adviser to the Association of Thai Travel Agents.

Thai Travel Agents Association president Charoen Wangananont said 20 per cent of Thai travellers who had cancelled packages to Cambodia had switched to Laos and 10 per cent to Burma. He said Cambodia stood to lose more tourism revenue than Thailand, because more than 600,000 Thais visited the country annually, against 60,000 Cambodian visitors to Thailand. Parliament yesterday failed to discuss documents for a joint boundary-demarcation commission. The government, opposition and Senate whips agreed to propose postponement of the discussion, because talks now could be sensitive.

Ready to extradite Thaksin

Nov 9, 2009
AFP

BANGKOK - THAILAND has prepared extradition papers for Thaksin Shinawatra ahead of the fugitive former premier's diplomatically tense visit to neighbouring Cambodia this week, a government prosecutor said on Monday.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006 and now lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft, sparked a furious row between Bangkok and Phnom Penh last week by accepting a position as economic adviser to Cambodia's government.

The billionaire telecommunications tycoon is due to make a speech to Cambodian economics experts at the country's finance ministry on Thursday, sparking calls from Thailand for Cambodia to extradite him.

'We have extradition papers ready but our documents must be approved by the attorney general after we receive a request by the foreign ministry or police,' Mr Sirasak Tiypan of the Thai attorney general's office told AFP.

'The papers are the same we have sent to Fiji, Nicaragua and the United Arab Emirates.' Thaksin was sentenced to two years jail in absentia in 2008 for abuse of power, a judgment that both he and his close friend, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, have described as politically motivated.

The Thai government said last week that it would seek Thaksin's extradition as soon as he set foot in Cambodia. But Cambodia has said it will reject any request to extradite Thaksin. Thailand says a refusal would violate international agreements and lead to further diplomatic measures.

Thaksin royal comments fuel Thai-Cambodia furore

11/9/2009
Agence France-Presse

Thailand Monday accused ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra of offending the country's monarchy, stepping up pressure on the fugitive tycoon as he prepares for a provocative trip to neighbouring Cambodia.

The Thai government also said it was preparing a formal extradition request for Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 coup, when he visits Phnom Penh this week in his new capacity as economics adviser to the Cambodian leadership.

The row over Thaksin's appointment last week prompted Cambodia and Thailand to recall their respective ambassadors, deepening tensions after a series of deadly skirmishes on their border in the past year and a half.

Billionaire Thaksin was quoted by British daily The Times on Monday as calling for the reform of institutions around Thailand's revered monarchy, headed by 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"Thailand needs to have a monarchy but it should not be abused or played by the palace circles," Thaksin reportedly said. "I can assure you His Majesty is above (politics), but those in the circle have a network."

When Thaksin, who is living abroad to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption, was asked if the "royal institution" needed reform, he said: "Yes, yes."

Thaksin later said in a statement that the article had misrepresented his words and had a misleading headline, adding: "The untrue report caused a misunderstanding among readers and Thais."

But Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya -- who has links to a royalist group that besieged Bangkok's airports last year to bring down the previous pro-Thaksin government -- hit out at Thaksin's comments.

Insulting or defaming the royal family is punishable by up to 15 years in jail in Thailand.

"I would like to say that Thaksin's interview violates the monarchy, which is the country's main institution. I wonder what the hidden agenda was that caused him to make this inappropriate move," Kasit told reporters.

"In his interview, there are several parts referring to his majesty the king, the crown prince and the monarchy and also refer to his majesty's role in politics," Kasit said.

Kasit said that the government would also seek the extradition of Thaksin when he goes to Cambodia.

Thaksin is due to give a lecture to Cambodian economics experts on Thursday but has not said exactly when he will arrive.

"We have prepared, the foreign ministry will contact the attorney general to seek extradition when he arrives in Cambodia," Kasit said, reiterating the government's pledge last week to get Thaksin to face justice.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, a close friend of Thaksin, has said he will reject any extradition request and that the former Thai leader's conviction in absentia for abuse of power last year was politically motivated.

Thaksin's visit threatens to take the shine off a summit of Southeast Asian leaders with US President Barack Obama that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is due to chair on Sunday in Singapore.

His presence on Thailand's doorstep -- the closest he has come since he last fled in August 2008 -- is also likely to alarm Abhisit's shaky coalition government as it approaches the end of its first year in power.

The colourful Thaksin, formerly the owner of Manchester City football club, has stirred up mass anti-government protests by his so-called "Red Shirt" supporters that have at times turned violent.

The protesters have also targeted the house of the king's main adviser, former general Prem Tinsulanonda, and accused Prem of orchestrating the coup against their twice-elected idol.

Thailand remains bitterly divided between Thaksin's main support base among the poor, especially in rural areas, and his foes in the Bangkok-based elite power circles of the palace, military and bureaucracy.

P. Thai: [Thai] Parliament must debate MoU

9/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The opposition on Monday called for a general debate on the government's intention to scrap a memorandum of understanding with Cambodia on overlapping maritime boundaries during this week's joint sitting of parliament.

Opposition chief whip Witthaya Buranasiri said that before the MoU could be revoked the government is required to seek opinions from members of parliament under Article 179 of the constitution.

Mr Witthaya said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to seek approval for the debate at tomorrow's weekly cabinet meeting.

The cabinet meeting is due to consider cancelling the MoU, which is a framework for officials to negotiate demarcation of the disputed area in the Gulf of Thailand and joint development of gas and oil resources there. The memorandum was signed in 2001 during the first Thaksin Shinawatra government. As Thaksin is now economic adviser to the Cambodian government, the Abhisit government views the terms as an inappropriate framework for negotiations.

Mr Witthaya said if the prime minister did not agree to a debate, the oppostion would seek the support of one-third of the Senate under Article 161 of the constitution for a general debate.

He said the issue was sensitive and was affecting relations between Thailand and Cambodia, but Mr Abhisit based his decision on his own opinions.

The opposition chief whip said whether or not former prime minister Thaksin visits Cambodia this week, as announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, it ws apersonal matter him to decide hoimself.

Government chief whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said the coalition whips had discussed the MoU issue.

All cabinet members, particularly Mr Abhisit, were ready to explain how necessary it was to revoke the MoU to protect the country's interests.

Mr Chinnaworn said he did not believe it was necessary for the government to seek approval from parliament before it could revoke the MoU. Article 190 requires parliamentry approval only for making an agreement. Revoking an agreement does not need the parliament's approval.

However, to make this matter clear, the government should seek an interpretation from the Constitution Court, Mr Chinnaworn said.

Mr Chinnaworn confirmed that if Thaksin visits Cambodia on Thursday for a meeting with economic officials, as announced, Thailand would seek his extradition under the existing treaty between the two countries.

If Cambodia turns down the extradition request, Thailand would pursue the matter through diplomatic channels, Mr Chinnaworn said.

Mr Chinnaworn said the Thai people felt Cambodia had interfered in Thailand's internal affairs of Thailand and he heard talk of people boycotting the casinos just across the border.

Thailand may consider tougher action against Thaksin [-Thaksin may travel to Rong Kluea market?]

Thaksin Asked whether Mr Thaksin will meet his supporters at Rong Kluea border market in Aranyaprathet on November 13, Gen Anupong said he must wait and see the situation.

BANGKOK, Nov 9 (TNA) - Thailand will consider tougher measures against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra if he uses Cambodia as a base to create turbulence in Thailand, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Monday.

Mr Thaksin’s planned visit to Phnom Penh is not unexpected following his appointment by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as an economic adviser, said Mr Suthep who is in charge of security affairs.

Thailand will officially contact Cambodia, reiterating that Thaksin is convicted, who escaped a two-year jail term for malfeasance.

Thailand’s Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Mr Thaksin to a two-year prison term in absentia after finding him guilty of a conflict of interest in the Ratchadaphisek land purchase scandal in 2003. The ex-premier jumped bail and fled the sentence.

Mr Suthep said Thailand and Cambodia have an extradition treaty, so Thailand will ask Cambodia to extradite him to serve punishment here.

"How Cambodia will consider it and what will be the Cambodian response, we must wait and see. We can’t send officials to arrest him in Cambodia because there are legal processes to comply with international law," Mr Suthep said.

The Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Attorney-General must submit a letter through channels required by international law.

A diplomatic response will be proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the prime minister. It is a proper application of diplomatic protocol when there is misunderstanding between the two countries.

The security agencies have assessed and monitored the situation. The current diplomatic row matters between the two governments, but good relations between people of the two countries and among the military units along the border must be maintained to prevent escalation of the problem into a clash, he said, adding that the incident was a simply a political and diplomatic spat.

Meanwhile, Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda said the Thai army has closely monitored the situation and held talks with Cambodia’s regional military commanders. Cambodia has not reinforced its troops on the border.

Asked whether Mr Thaksin will meet his supporters at Rong Kluea border market in Aranyaprathet on November 13, Gen Anupong said he must wait and see the situation.

The government may increase the level of response against Mr Thaksin if he uses the neighbouring country as a political base to cause turbulence in Thailand.

Official contact with Cambodia to be made if Thaksin visits there: Thai Deputy PM

BANGKOK, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is going to officially contact with Cambodia if ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra visits Cambodia on Nov. 12, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Monday.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced in Cambodia that Thaksin will visit Cambodia this week after he has been named the country's economic adviser.

On Nov. 12, Thaksin will hold a briefing with over 300 Cambodian economics experts at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Hun Sen said.

Suthep said Thaksin's visit to Cambodia is not unexpected and the Thai government will officially contact with Cambodia if Thaksin is in Cambodia on Nov. 12, Thai News Agency reported.

And, if Thaksin wants to use Cambodia as his base in a bid to damage Thailand, there will be another step to deal with this matter, Suthep said. But, Suthep does not explain in details.

However, in a related development, the Thai Foreign Ministry has prepared related document to send to Cambodia to extradite Thaksin to Thailand, if Thaksin visits Cambodia this week, Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikitsreth said Sunday.

The Office of the Attorney General will request Cambodia to extradite Thaksin from Cambodia since the two countries have already signed an extradition treaty, Panich said.

After sending the request to Cambodia, Thailand will wait for Cambodia's legal procedures to be carried out, the vice foreign minister said.

But, if Cambodia denies the Thai request, Thailand will review the status of its bilateral relations with Cambodia, which is another level under diplomatic protocol, he said.

Currently, Thailand is reviewing all existing bilateral agreements and cooperation projects with Cambodia after Thaksin is appointed as the economic advisor to Cambodia's government.

The diplomatic retaliation between the two countries has occurred after Thaksin was officially appointed on Nov. 4 as the adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government of Cambodia King Norodom Sihamoni.

The Cambodian government on Nov. 5 announced to recall its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's earlier recall of its ambassador, Mr. Prasas Prasavinitchai, to Cambodia.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and has been kept in exile since then.

He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

[Thai] Govt to seek extradition of Thaksin

9/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The Thai government will contact the Cambodian government about extradition of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was scheduled to visit Cambodia on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Monday.

Mr Suthep said it is not beyond expectation that Thaksin was going to visit Cambodia.

He also said that requesting extradition of Thaksin is not loosing face because the government is doing it for the country, and it is up to the Cambodian government what it would do after the request.

A diplomatic channel would be used if the two countries do not understand each other.

He reiterated that this is a problem between the two governments, not that of individuals. And the government is not using the country to seek revenge between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Documents ready for extradition bid if ex-premier comes to Cambodia

BANGKOK, Nov 9 (TNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared documents requesting the extradition of convicted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from Cambodia as a contingency if he visits the neighbouring country’s capital Phnom Penh this week as reported, according to Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikitsreth.

International media reported that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters that Mr Thaksin will visit Phnom Penh after being appointed an economic adviser, to lecture over 300 Cambodian economists at Cambodia’s finance ministry on Thursday.

Mr Panich said if Mr Thaksin is really in Cambodia, the Office of the Attorney General will request extradition from Cambodia as the two countries have already signed an extradition treaty.

He said all documents related to the case have already been prepared and translated to English as this was not the first case for an extradition request for Mr Thaksin.

The Thai foreign ministry official said that Thailand earlier requested Fiji and other countries which had treaties with the kingdom, and where Mr Thaksin was reportedly visiting.

After the request is sent to Cambodia, Thailand must wait for Cambodia’s legal procedures to be carried out and if Cambodia denies the Thai request then Thailand must review the status of its bilateral relations for another step under diplomatic protocol, he said.

Now Thailand is reviewing all existing bilateral agreements and cooperation projects made with Cambodia, as well as ongoing cooperation which the Thai government has extended to Cambodia following the withdrawal of the Thai envoy to protest the Cambodian government appointment of Mr Thaksin as economic advisor to the government and personal advisor to Mr Hun Sen.

However, he said, any measures will be adopted using diplomatic protocol and would not lead to military measures as that would be the last option.

Thailand’s Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Mr Thaksin to a two-year prison term in absentia after finding him guilty of a conflict of interest in Bangkok’s Ratchadaphisek land purchase case in 2003. He jumped bail and fled the sentence.

Meanwhile, Thailand would proceed to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the area of their overlapping maritime claims to the continental shelf.

The MoU, dated 18 June 2001, was signed by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An during the Thaksin administration.

The issue will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration on Tuesday, said Mr Chavanont Intarakomalsut, Secretary to the Thai foreign minister.

He also defended the decision to scrap the MoU, saying that if the government let the MoU continue in force, it could damage Thailand's interest.

He added that the ministry would ask the Constitution Court to rule whether the MoU revocation must be considered by Parliament as required under Section 190 of the Constitution to prevent any future backlash.

Thailand vows to seek Thaksin's extradition if he visits Cambodia: Thai PM

BANGKOK, Nov 8 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thailand will seek extradition of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra if he visits Cambodia on November 12.

His remark came after news reports that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Sunday in Phnom Penh that ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Phnom Penh this week in his new role as the government's economics adviser.

The ex-Thai premier will be at Cambodia’s Ministry of Economy and Finance on Thursday to instruct several hundred Khmer economists, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs is studying laws involving the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and its neighbour Cambodia as agreements specified under its terms must be reviewed as a result of the current diplomatic row, said Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday.

Defending his government’s decision not to scrap the MoU immediately, as it needs approval by Parliament first, Mr. Abhisit said the ministry is studying all the laws related to the MoU and his government has to cease the negotiations process with Cambodia.

If the process is continued, it could be interpreted as a conflict of interest, therefore, a review has to be made and send to the cabinet for its consideration, he said.

“Until now, we’re not ready to continue the negotiations as we’ve to protect out interests,” said Mr. Abhisit.

Both countries recalled their ambassadors after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed Thailand’s ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser and economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

The MoU on the Area of their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf, dated 18 June 2001 was signed by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An during the Thaksin administration.

Mr. Abhisit said his government would review whether the MoU will continue in force or not, or could be amended by his government.

Meanwhile, cross border trade remains normal but hoarding by some Cambodian traders has been reported in response to possible border closure.

P. Penh 'must justify refusal'

31/10/2009
Bangkok Post

Cambodia has the legal right to reject Thai requests for the extradition of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if he sets foot there, but Phnom Penh must justify any such decision, says Attorney-General Chulasingh Vasantasingh.

Mr Chulasingh made the remark in response to the recent announcement by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that he would not extradite Thaksin to Thailand if the convicted former premier moved to Cambodia.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed an extradition treaty, but either government has the right not to approve an extradition request, Mr Chulasingh said.

Any refusal to extradite a criminal under the treaty's terms must be given an explanation that meets international standards, he said.

If Thai authorities are informed that Thaksin is residing in Cambodia the Office of the Attorney-General will seek his extradition, if asked to do so by police and the Foreign Ministry.

Care must be taken not to overreact to Hun Sen's recent remarks about Thaksin, warned Chart Thai Pattana Party spokesman Watchara Kannikar.

The government and the Foreign Ministry should not respond aggressively to the comments, or stir up nationalism, either of which could worsen bilateral relations, Mr Watchara said.

He also urged Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to remember when engaging in negotiations and political activity that he is Thai.

Gen Chavalit made a trip to Cambodia on Oct 21 where he met Hun Sen.

He said the trip was a private effort to help improve relations with Cambodia which have soured over the Preah Vihear temple dispute. But critics said the visit was a move to discredit the Democrat-led government.

Cambodia can deny Thaksin extradition bid by Thailand: Attorney-General

BANGKOK, Oct 30 (TNA) - Cambodia reserves the right to deny a request by Thailand to extradite ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra if he stays in the neighbouring country, but substantial grounds must be provided for the denial, according to the Attorney-General Julasingh Wasantsingh.

Mr Julasingh said he did not focus on anybody in particular, but would touch only on the principle that even though Thailand and Cambodia had signed an extradition treaty, in practice the country which was asked for the extradition has the full right to deny the request.

However, that country must justify its denial in line with international practice.

As for Mr Thaksin’s case, the Office of the Attorney-General has not been informed about his whereabouts so the office could not make the request.

If the police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirm that Mr Thaksin is in Cambodia, Thai officials would seek extradition, but it depends on Phnom Penh's decision.

He added that Thailand had formerly denied such requests from some countries, but the kingdom was able to provide strong grounds to clarify its decisions in the past.

Mr Hun Sen told reporters during attending the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand that Mr Thaksin could remain in Cambodia as his guest and could be his economic advisor, saying he was not interfering in Thailand's internal affairs, but that Cambodia has the right to exercise its sovereignty and make such a decision.

Ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, convicted and sentenced to a two-year jail term for malfeasance in the controversial Bangkok Ratchadapisek land purchase, Mr Thaksin now living in self-exile abroad and is reportedly a close friend of Mr Hun Sen.

Vietnam, Cambodia police join hands in anti-crime efforts

10/30/2009
VOV News (Hanoi)

Vietnamese and Cambodian policemen are mulling over agreements on criminal justice support and extradition to create a full-fledged legal foundation for their cooperation in fighting crime.

In a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29, they assessed their achievements in the fight against cross-border crime and identified specific areas that need further cooperation in future.

Minister of Public Security Le Hong Anh praised close and effective cooperation between Vietnamese and Cambodian police in fighting criminals and maintaining social order and safety. He expressed his hope that the two sides would cooperate more closely and effectively in the coming time.

Addressing the meeting, State Secretary of the Cambodian Ministry of the Interior Em Sam An admitted that transnational crimes have had an adverse impact on security in localities along both nations’ borders. He underscored the urgent need to beef up bilateral cooperation in maintaining social order and security in the two countries.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security underscored orientations for cooperation with the Cambodian National Police in the 2009-2010 period, including the sharing of information on transnational crime, and addressing issues arising from the two countries’ law enforcement. It also proposed that Vietnamese police help organize anti-crime training courses for their Cambodian colleagues.

The Vietnamese side proposed flexible and effective cooperation at all levels, particularly in border areas, to tackle complicated issues concerning national security and social order.

The Vietnamese ministry also suggested the opening of police liaison offices in the other country to boost bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam, Cambodia discuss security, extradition pacts

Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thanh Nien News (Hanoi)

Vietnam and Cambodia on Thursday discussed an agreement to strengthen public security ties as well as an extradition treaty to deal with crimes along their border areas.

Police said border crimes have become more complex and serious than previous years. Since the beginning of last year, more than 1,890 smuggling cases were detected involving goods worth US$6.2 million.

Other crimes, including drugs, arms and human trafficking, have also thrived along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, which stretches for nearly 1,200 kilometers.

Vietnam has 10 provinces bordering Cambodia with a total population of 12.65 million.

Thaksin should have no fear as Hun Sen's house guest

October 23, 2009
The Nation

Thai government leaders yesterday dared Thaksin Shinawatra to take up Cambodian Hun Sen's offer of a beautiful exile home in Phnom Penh.

Bangkok's threat to invoke both countries' extradition treaty once Thaksin sets foot on Cambodian soil, however, may not scare anyone.

If Thaksin, who thanked Hun Sen in a Twitter message but stopped short of elaborating his future plans, decides to come and stay closer to home, he can rest assured it won't be a walk into a trap.

First and foremost, the one who invites him and who would be his host is the most powerful man in Cambodia, thus the chance of Thaksin being stabbed in the back and extradited is virtually zero. Hun Sen's message following his meeting Wednesday with Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Thaksin's virtual representative, left no doubt about whether the Cambodian leader is the man Thaksin can trust.

Hun Sen talked about great friendship dating back to the days Thaksin was just a businessman, about how his [Hun Sen's] wife cried over Thaksin's political misfortune, and about how much the first Cambodian couple would love to give the ousted Thai leader a "home that deserves his honour".

Combine the apparently heart-felt message with Hun Sen's stormy relations with the current Bangkok leaders, an extradition request should either bounce back to the senders or head straight to a diplomatic oblivion.

The countries' extradition treaty does not oblige them to send back someone like Thaksin as long as he can be deemed a political victim in his own country.

The legal agreement is like most other extradition treaties in essence. It says extraditable offences are punishable under the laws of the two countries by the penalty of imprisonment for a period of more than one year or by any heavier penalty.

"The Contracting Parties undertake to extradite to each other, in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty, persons found in the territory of one of the Contracting Parties who are wanted for prosecution, trial or for the imposition or execution of punishment in the territory of the other Party for an extraditable offence," the treaty says.

If the above article can make Thaksin squirm, there exists another article that is likelier to come into play.

According to Article 3, extradition will not be granted when:

"The Requested Party considers the offence for which the request for extradition is made by the Requesting Party as a political offence.. ...

"(Or) The Requested Party has well-founded reasons to suppose that the request aims to institute criminal proceedings against or execute punishment upon the person sought on account of race, religion, nationality or political opinion of that person, or that the position of the person sought in judicial proceedings will be prejudiced for any of the reasons mentioned above.

"(Or) The offence for which the request for extradition is made is exclusively an offence under military law of the Requesting Party and does not constitute an offence under criminal law of that contracting party."

On the surface, it's in favour of Thaksin, but he will have to read the above very carefully, especially because he was convicted under a law that has been in existence long before the military coup that ousted him. Then again, while those letters could be a cause for concern, Hun Sen has all but said Thaksin shouldn't be scared.