Mending bridges and revitalising cooperation

January 28, 2009
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

In diplomacy, every gesture and response counts. At first, the scheduled courtesy call by Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Sunday afternoon was supposed to last about 20 minutes. But the visit turned out to be nearly an hour of discussion. Before leaving Phnom Penh a few hours later, Kasit told the Thai delegation over dinner he had been impressed by Hun Sen's good memory and that he had done his homework. After he greeted Hun Sen, he said the Cambodian prime minister reminded him of their work together at the Paris Peace Conference in 1989, which brought an end to the Cambodian civil war and peace to the country. Kasit also recalled that at the end of the conference, he walked to Hun Sen and shook hands, saying that Thailand and Cambodia would work together to develop the war-torn country. "Now that moment has come again," Kasit said.

A few minutes into the meeting on Sunday, Kasit told Hun Sen that he wanted to learn from the region's longest-serving leader.

"I am 12 years younger than you, and I am 8 years older than Abhisit," Hun Sen quickly responded.

From that moment, both leaders struck up a rapport and began a dialogue about peaceful settlement of border issues and cooperation on issues like the flow of the Bassac River, one of Cambodia's lifelines.

The two-day visit by Foreign Minister Kasit over the weekend was very successful. It would not be an overstatement to say that the outcomes of Kasit's discussions with Hun Sen and Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong will serve as the foundation for future Thai-Cambodian relations. There are three reasons for such optimism.

First of all, Hun Sen and Hor Namhong reiterated throughout the meeting that Thai-Cambodian relations are very important because they affect Asean as a whole. Hun Sen was correct when he stated the two countries have obligations as members of the regional grouping to move their relationship forward in a positive way. Over the past months, the simmering border disputes and tensions between the two neighbours have caused great concern among Asean leaders, with the fear that the two countries might even pit their troops against each other.

Another problem has been the repeated postponement by host Thailand of the Asean leaders summit meeting. Hun Sen has now confirmed that he will attend the summit, which will be held from February 27 to March 1 in Hua Hin.

In this connection, Kasit said he would take up the Emerald Triangle Cooperation proposal for Thailand, Cambodia and Laos at the upcoming summit. Hun Sen had proposed this plan to promote tourism in the scenic area where the three countries meet. So far the proposal has not moved ahead as Laos is still studying it. Thailand hopes that with the global economic recession, tourism cooperation under this ambitious plan will be pushed forward.

Secondly, Hun Sen reiterated that any bilateral problems between Thailand and Cambodia must be resolved through negotiation and peaceful means. This has already become a template for Thai-Cambodian relations. In his letter to Hun Sen, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also stressed that the existing mechanisms would be used to settle bilateral issues. The bilateral border meetings will resume early next month. Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan is scheduled to visit Phnom Penh in early February. He will discuss troop adjustments along the Thai-Cambodian border. Both sides are clear that all avenues and sources must be exhausted before they seek assistance from any third party.

In addition, the stalled discussions on overlapping maritime areas in the Gulf of Thailand will resume. The estimated 20,600 square-kilometre area under discussion is believed to be rich in oil and gas. The Thai Cabinet has yet to approve a new senior Thai official to head the combined negotiations on the land and maritime issues but Cambodia is enthusiastic about kick-starting the discussions simultaneously.

Both sides agree that there should not be any bottlenecks in their cooperation since there are numerous activities and development plans either in progress or due to get underway. Kasit quoted Hun Sen as saying there are 40-50 programmes going on, and that one problem alone should not be enough to impede the whole cooperation effort. One indicator will be the speed at which Thailand returns seven ancient Khmer artifacts that were stolen and discovered inside Thailand. The government of former prime minister Samak Sundaravej pledged to return the pieces but nothing has been done on the matter so far. Kasit said that the Thai Ministry of Cultural Affairs is in the process of dealing with the issue.

Thirdly, with the renewal of understanding between the two countries, Hun Sen and Kasit ventured that if there is any future misunderstanding or misinterpretation emanating from sources such as the media, pressure groups or non-governmental organisations, quick telephone calls between leaders and officials on both sides would mitigate any possible negative effects. The two leaders were mindful of numerous online statements aimed at sowing discord between Thailand and Cambodia.

Finally, for the first time, there will be more exchanges at the personal level between members of the legislative branch in each country. There have been no such exchanges before, even though Thailand and Cambodia have similar parliamentary systems. During a meeting between Chea Sim, president of the Cambodian Senate and Heng Samrin, chairman of the Cambodian National Assembly, both agreed an increase in the number of exchanges between Thai and Cambodian politicians would promote better political understanding and cooperation. In addition, for the first time, the Democrat Party will initiate cooperative schemes with the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

Before the Thai delegation checked out of its Phnom Penh hotel on Sunday evening, a junior Thai official got a call from the Cambodian Foreign Ministry saying that the host country would pay additional expenses beyond the payment norm for Kasit, the chief of the Thai delegation. The official, who works at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, was surprised and immediately informed his superiors that "Cambodia was happy with the talks".

Excellent jump start for Thai-Cambodian relations [... so claims Thailand alone!]

January 28, 2009
The Nation

After a year of border tension and political frustration, Cambodia has a new sense of confidence in Thailand

It is difficult to describe the current relationship between Thailand and Cambodia without taking into consideration the positive body language of representatives of the two countries, as well as other nitty-gritty details, on display during the two-day visit to Phnom Penh by Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya over the weekend.

The trip was successful because Foreign Minister Kasit managed to restore confidence among the Cambodian leadership, especially Prime Minister Hun Sen, in Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his government. Over the past year, the lack of political stability in Thailand and the frequent changes of foreign minister and government have worried our Cambodian friends. But it seems now that the Cambodians are confident the new Thai administration is a partner they can deal with.

Hun Sen was also pleased with Abhisit's letter to him citing his statement in Oddar Meanchey that any bilateral problems between the two countries should be solved through peaceful means, negotiation and the non-use of force. Both Abhisit and Hun Sen see eye to eye on this. The Thai leader has reaffirmed that the border issues will be resolved through the existing bilateral mechanisms.

"As we are immediate neighbours and share a common border, traditions and cultures, my government is committed to bringing better security and more prosperity to the livelihood of our two peoples and countries," Abhisit said in part of his letter, and it was that kind of spirit that was displayed throughout the visit. Preparations are now underway for Abhisit to visit Cambodia.

Back in 1989, Kasit was part of the Thai delegation at the Paris Peace Conference, which Hun Sen also participated in. At their meeting over the weekend, the two vowed to work together again like they did twenty years ago to bring peace to Cambodia. But this time the stakes are higher because both countries are Asean members and they have an obligation to work for the benefit of the regional grouping. Thailand is ready to do that. In the near future, the country is planning to release a grant of Bt1.8 billion for a highway construction project in Cambodia.

From 1986-2008, Thailand provided grants of Bt1.2 billion and soft loans totalling Bt2.2 billion to Cambodia for infrastructure development projects. Other assistance included technical cooperation and training in various fields. Despite the tension of the past year caused by border demarcation disputes at the Preah Vihear temple and other historic monuments, trade between the two countries amounted to US$1.8 billion (Bt63 billion) last year, up from US$1.4 billion in 2007.

In the near future, additional cultural and personal exchanges will increase, including between the two countries' legislators. For the first time, the Democrat Party will establish ties, and cooperate with, the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

Thai-Cambodian relations are now on firmer ground and the two sides are ready to move on. However, the Thai opposition parties and ill-intentioned individuals continue to use vitriol to undermine the friendship. So much so that Hun Sen has told the Thais that both sides have to avoid falling victim to misunderstanding and misinterpretation coming from sources such as unconfirmed reports from media or non-governmental organisations. Both countries have suffered recently from such rumour-mongering and even mud-slinging.

The recent calls from Singapore and Burma to boycott the upcoming Asean Summit in Thailand were a bit silly. The postponement of the Asean summit from last December has already damaged Thailand's international reputation and the grouping's interest. But at this point, all Asean members have confirmed their participation. They want to see a successful summit chaired by Thailand. They know that a strong and successful Asean that has agreed on economic and financial cooperative frameworks will be of benefit to all members, especially during this time of global economic crisis.

But make no mistake, Thai-Cambodian relations are pivotal within the Asean context. Hun Sen was right when he said the state of ties between the two countries could affect Asean as a whole. Cambodia is an active member in Asean initiatives, especially most recently in the drafting of the Asean charter and the terms of reference for the new Asean human rights body.

The border tensions last year even led to brief exchanges of gunfire between Thai and Cambodian troops, and naturally this caused great concern among the Asean members. After all, no member countries have ever gone to war with each other before. And this is a record and legacy the grouping wants to maintain. The Abhisit government knows that relations and mutual trust with Cambodia must be improved and solidified before the countries can go beyond the bilateral framework. At the same time, Thailand has emerged from a political abyss and is now moving towards a more stable political condition. However, time is still needed before this situation can be consolidated further.

Thais may return antiquities [... but Cambodia may have to wait for a very, very long time]

Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Written by Vong Sokheng and Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post

Deal between Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers could see return of 43 ancient Khmer artefacts confiscated by Thai customs guards in 1999

CAMBODIAN artefacts confiscated by Thai authorities are set to return to the Kingdom pending the approval of the Bangkok Cabinet, following an agreement Monday between Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and his Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya in Phnom Penh.

"Regarding the Khmer artefacts confiscated in Thailand, Kasit will ask the Thai Minister of Culture to request an approval from the Thai Cabinet to allow them to be sent back to Cambodia," Hor Namhong told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 1999, Thai customs agents seized 43 antique Khmer sculptures weighing more than eight tonnes at a port owned by a Thai shipping company.

The antiques were being smuggled from Cambodia to Singapore via Thailand and were destined for markets in Europe and the United States. The sculptures are believed to have been stripped from ancient Khmer temples and monuments inside Cambodia.

Khim Sarith, a secretary of state at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, told the Post that negotiations with Thailand on the return of the artefacts began a few years ago but that the Cambodian government was still awaiting an approval from the Thai government.

"I think that the bilateral meeting between the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers will help to push forward the process of returning the Khmer artefacts," Khim Sarith said.

He added that prior to Monday's meeting, Thailand has recognised 18 of the 43 artefacts as belonging to Cambodia, but was hopeful the new agreement would see the return of all 43 pieces, which would be the second time the two countries have cooperated on the repatriation of Khmer antiquities.

In November 1999, the Thai government returned more than 100 carved stone blocks that had been smuggled into the country earlier in the year after being hacked from the walls of the temple of Banteay Chhmar in northwestern Cambodia.

"We are waiting to hear good news," said Khim Sarith.

"If the Thai government agrees to return our artefacts, we will go to take them immediately, but so far not a single artefact has been returned."

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: A Peaceful-Man

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogpsot.com)

Leaders focus on border [-More Thai promise on border issues, but where is the Thai action?]

January 27, 2009
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation
Phnom Penh

PM, Hun Sen to concentrate on improving relations

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has told Cambodian leader Hun Sen in a letter that border issues will be resolved through existing bilateral mechanisms.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya handed the letter to Hun Sen during a trip to Phnom Penh to improve bilateral relations, which have been marred recently by border disputes.

Abhisit hailed Hun Sen's positive speech made last Tuesday in Oddar Meanchey province in which he vowed to solve ongoing border issues between the two countries. The Cambodian leader said he would not raise this issue at the upcoming Asean Summit.

"As we are immediate neighbours and share common borders, traditions and cultures, my government is committed to bringing better security and more prosperity to the livelihood of our two peoples and countries," Abhisit said in the letter.

He said Thailand and Cambodia had an obligation as Asean members to improve bilateral ties, or else the regional grouping would be affected.

Kasit quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying it was the two countries' joint duty and responsibility to move Thai-Cambodian relations forward for the well-being of Asean.

Kasit's courtesy call on Hun Sen yesterday turned into a 55-minute discussion on Thai-Cambodian relations and regional cooperation. After greeting Kasit, Hun Sen recalled the days they worked together to bring peace to Cambodia at the 1989 Paris Peace Conference.

"We've known each other for 20 years. Now we are determined to move our relations forward," Kasit quoted Hun Sen as saying, referring to their common experience during the Cambodian conflict.

Kasit reported that Hun Sen wanted to prevent any future misunderstanding between the leaders and governments, both sides needed to be constantly in touch to clear up any misinterpretations or misinformation coming from media reports, vested interest groups or non-governmental organisations.

Both leaders reiterated that any problem between them would be settled through peaceful means, negotiations and the non-use of force. During an earlier meeting, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong also stressed these three points.

"We should foster and move forward on common goals rather than focus on our differences. We should not let one issue become a bottleneck for 40 or 50 other issues that are in progress," Kasit said, talking about his common understanding with Hun Sen.

Kasit said Thailand would take up the Emerald Triangle Cooperation, the brainchild of Hun Sen, at the upcoming Asean summit. The framework, proposed in 2000, was aimed at promoting tourism in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

In Oddar Meanchey province, Hun Sen commented on Thai-Cambodian relations, saying his country wanted to prevent the resurgence of an armed conflict and urged both sides to continue negotiations.

Abhisit expressed gratitude to Hun Sen for accepting an invitation to attend the 14th Asean Summit in Hua Hin from February 27 to March 1. He said he would visit Cambodia in the near future "to enhance and further all aspects of our relations".

Kasit told a press conference both sides agreed to settle their mutual problems through peaceful means and in brotherly ways. Hor Namhong said Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan would visit Cambodia next month to discuss the border situation.

Thai FM: Hun Sen has no 'hard feelings' over past remarks [-What other choice does Hun Sen have when Bangkok is stronger than Phnom Penh?]

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya on Monday quoted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying Hun Sen did not have any ‘hard feelings’ over his past comments on the Cambodian leader regarding the disputed Preah Vihear border area.

Mr. Kasit, who had close ties to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), occasionally joined the group and criticised Hun Sen during the six-month long protests in 2008.

The Thai foreign minister said it was a thing of the past, quoting Hun Sen as saying they had worked together and were on good terms when working in Paris twenty years ago.

Mr. Kasit also urged Thai media and the Thai people to focus on a positive approach, to push for peace between the two countries.

On Monday the second day of Mr. Kasit’s official visit to Cambodia, he tried to seek a royal pardon through Cambodia's Foreign Ministry for two Thai prisoners serving the life imprisonment on grounds of involvement in a 2003 terrorism act.

Mr. Kasit, along with relatives of the prisoners were visiting the Thai inmates at Phnom Penh prison. Both men were religious teachers from the southern province of Yala.

Cambodia and Thailand agree to border talks

Jan 26, 2009
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers meeting in Phnom Penh agreed Monday to negotiate a border dispute that last year erupted into a fatal skirmish between the South-east Asian neighbours.

Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told reporters after his two-hour meeting with Thai counterpart Kasit Piromya that talks concerning the border surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple would resume next week.

'Our countries' Joint Border Commission will meet on February 2 to discuss border demarcation and our ministers of defence will meet on February 6,' he said.

Hor Namhong said the talks would aim at clearly demarcating the border near the Hindu temple, which has been a source of tension between Cambodia and Thailand for decades.

Tensions flared in July last year after the site was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, prompting nationalistic rhetoric from leaders of both countries.

Both countries deployed troops to the border area in October and each suffered casualties in sporadic fighting.

In November, they agreed to withdraw troops and resume talks but negotiations were delayed by political instability in Thailand.

Diplomatic efforts resumed after new Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva formed a government in mid-December.

Thailand and Cambodia reduce troops

Monday, January 26, 2009
The Press Association

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed in principle to scale back troops on their disputed border following a deadly military confrontation near an ancient temple last year.

Foreign ministers from both countries met in the Cambodian capital to restart stalled talks and set a schedule for future meetings on demarcating the frontier near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple to avoid future armed clashes.

"The priority and the urgent issue is to demarcate the area near Preah Vihear temple and the scale down of troops," Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said.

In October, troops exchanged fire, leaving two Cambodian soldiers dead and 10 from both sides wounded. A Thai soldier died later from wounds sustained during the clash.

The countries' Joint Border Commission will meet on February 2 to discuss border demarcation, followed by a meeting of defence ministers on February 6.

"Defence ministers will discuss reducing the number of troops at the border," said Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat.

The fighting in October was the latest flare-up in a decades-old dispute over a stretch of jungle near the Preah Vihear temple. The World Court awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but sovereignty over the surrounding land has never been clearly resolved.

The two countries share a 500-mile land border, much of which has never been clearly demarcated because the countries refer to different maps.

Talks were delayed by Thailand's internal political crisis, which eased in December with the arrival of new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Thai-Khmer border will solve through mutual mechanism [-It may help if The Nation learns how to properly spell Khmer King's name]

Mon, January 26, 2009
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

Phnom Penh—Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajivia reaffirmed today with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that both countries would solve the border issues through the existing bilateral mechanisms.

Abhisit also hailed Hun Sen's positive speech made on 20 January in Oddar Meanchey to solve the ongoing border issues between the two countries. The Cambodian leader said he would not raise this issue at the upcoming Asean summit.

"As we are immediate neighbors and share common borders, traditions and cultures, my Government is committed to bringing better security and more prosperity to the livelihood of our two peoples and countries," Abhisit said in part in his letter, which was delivered to Hun Sen by Kasit during the courtesy call this afternoon.

In Oddar Meanchey, Hun Sen commented on the Thai-Cambodian relations that his country wants to prevent the resurgence of an armed conflict and urge both sides to continue the bilateral negotiations.

Abhisit expressed gratitude to Hun Sen for accepting the invitation to attend the 14th Asean Summit in Hua Hin on 27th February to 1st March. He also said that he would visit Cambodia in the near future "to enhance further all aspects of our relations."

Earlier Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya held "substantive" discussion with his Cambodian counterparty, Hor Namhong. He also had an audience with King Norodom Sihanoumi.

Thailand, Cambodia to hold border talks next month

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26 (TNA) - Visiting Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya and Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong told a joint press conference on Monday announcing that they had agreed to resolve their two countries' border dispute through peaceful means.

"The demarcation of the border at Preah Vihear temple and discussions over troops is an urgent priority," Hor Namhong told a joint press conference after the meeting.

"Both sides -- Cambodia and Thailand -- agreed to set a date from February 2 to 4 in which the joint border commission will start to demarcate territory."

Resolution of the long simmering border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is expected to make headway next month when the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee (JBC) plans to meet.

Thai Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan is scheduled to visit Phnom Penh on February 6, his first official visit to the Cambodian capital after assuming the post in December.

Regarding troop deployment by the two neighbouring countries at a disputed area near the ancient Preah Vihear temple, Hor Namhong said Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen. Tea Banh will discuss the matter with Gen. Prawit during the latter's visit.

Also, the Thai-Cambodian JBC is scheduled to discuss technical and overlapped territorial waters problems in Thailand between February 2-4, while another meeting is to be held in March after the Thai Cabinet approves the list of Thai delegates attending the meeting, according to Hor Namhong.

Presently, technicians are searching for the remaining 25 border markers of the total 73, he said.

Tensions between the two countries flared in July last year when Preah Vihear was awarded UN World Heritage status. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, the most accessible entrance is in Thailand's northeastern province of Si Sa Ket.

Hor Namhong said he had also discussed with his Thai counterpart the status of the ancient Khmer artefacts seized earlier by Thai customs officials, asking Thailand when they could be returned to Phnom Penh.

Mr. Kasit, who arrived in Cambodia on Sunday for a two-day official visit, his first after having taken up the post, said the two countries would cooperate on solving their immediate problems in order to maintain the long, warm relations between peoples of the two countries.

Talks will be held peacefully and with brotherhood solidarity, Mr. Kasit added.

Cambodia, Thailand agree on more border talks

Monday, 26 January 2009
WorldBulletin.net

Thailand and Cambodia agreed to more talks to resolve a dispute over a stretch of land at their border near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Monday to more talks to resolve a dispute over a stretch of land at their border near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple that spilled over into fighting last year.

"This is another step forward. We must show our restraint," Cambodian foreign minister Hor Namhong told reporters after a two-hour meeting with his Thai counterpart, Kasit Piromya.

The two countries agreed in November to pull out troops from the disputed area and follow up with joint demarcation of the heavily mined frontier. However, the fall of the Thai government in December delayed implementation of the plan.

Kasit, who was a prominent member of the royalist Thai protest group that stirred up last year's bad blood over the temple, said it was important to resolve the long-running dispute through peaceful means.

The pair also agreed on a joint committee to meet in March to look at a stretch of disputed sea in the Gulf of Thailand believed to contain oil and natural gas.

The Hindu Preah Vihear temple sits on an escarpment that forms the natural border between the two southeast Asian nation and has been a source of tension for generations.

The International Court of Justice awarded it to Cambodia in 1962, but the ruling did not determine the ownership of 1.8 square miles (4.6 sq km) of adjoining scrubland, leaving considerable scope for disagreement.

Cambodia, Thailand pledge to continue peaceful deal on border issues

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers here on Monday pledged to continue to seek for peaceful and amicable deal on the border issues, and set the next agenda within the first week of February.

"The meeting today has a good point that Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will try to persuade (his government) to solve the border issues as soon as possible," Hor Namhong, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told reporters at a news conference in the presence of his Thai counterpart.

Kasit Piromya said that "the meeting is very important for the good relationship between the two countries and peoples, and the diplomatic ties will proceed smoothly from now on."

According to them, both sides agreed to set up a date from Feb.2 to 4, in which the joint border commission will start to demarcate the territory, and Thailand's defense minister will then visit Cambodia on Feb. 6 to meet his counterpart to discuss withdrawing troops from disputed territory around the 11th-centuryPreah Vihear temple.

"We also agreed that the border committee have to first measure the locations near the temple in order to plant border markers as we decided in the previous meetings," said Hor.

The committee will also convene a meeting to check the sea-overlapping zones in March, he added.

Kasit Piromya arrived here on Sunday for his first ever visit to the kingdom since he was appointed as foreign minister in December 2008.

Tempers flared on the border after the Preah Vihear temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site last July, angering Thai nationalists who demanded that the then-government reclaim the territory, including the 11th-century ruins and its surrounding lands.

Rounds of talks were held since then, but resulted in no major achievements due to the political instability in Thailand.

Cambodia and Thailand have never fully demarcated their 805-km shared border. Only 73 border posts were planted in 1907 and both countries planned to plant hundreds more in the coming years.

Thai and Cambodia talk substantive : Thai FM Kasit

Mon, January 26, 2009
The Nation

Phnom Penh—Thailand and Cambodia this morning have "substantive" bilateral talks covering issues related to Thai-Cambodian border issues, trade and tourism cooperation.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told a press conference that both sides agreed to settle their mutual problems with peaceful means and in brotherly ways. "We have political will and commonalities to move forward for the well beings of both peoples," Kasit said.

In the same press conference, Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said that Thai Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan will make an official visit to Cambodian early next month to discuss the border situation, which has been calm followed weeks of tensions in November 2008. Top on the agenda will be troop adjustments along the Thai-Cambodian border.

A new round of discussion by Joint Border Commission to discuss the overlapping areas has been also scheduled for early next month. There are a total of 73 demarcation posts along the Thai-Cambodian border, only 48 posts have been located.

Both countries also decided to resume negotiations on the maritime demarcation line covering 20,600 square meters which are rich in natural gas and oil. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two countries in 2000 to discuss the overlapping maritime zones. But several subsequent negotiations have stalled.

The resumption of maritime overlapping areas has been welcome by both sides. As part of the upcoming negotiations, Thailand awaits a Cabinet approval on the key person who will be in charge of maritime negotiations.

Both leaders also discussed ways to boost tourism in their countries. They agreed that foreign visitors with a visa to visit a member of Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy would be able to visit other members.

Kasit pledged to follow up on Thailand's agreement to return the Cambodian ancient artifacts as soon as possible. At the moment, Ministry of Cultural Affairs is processing the return.

Before the plenary session, which last one hour, Kasit and Namhong had a 45 minutes four eyes meeting, 35 minutes longer than scheduled.

During Kasit's courtesy call on Samdech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim, president of the Senate, both leaders agreed to exchange parliamentarian delegations as well as the cooperation between Democrat Party and Cambodian People's Party.

Kasit is having an audience with Cambodian King Norodom Sihanoumi this afternoon followed by a lunch hosted by Namhong in his honour.

Kasit, Cambodia discuss bilateral issues

26/01/2009
BangkokPost.com

Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya on Monday will have a bilateral meeting with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on Monday.

Mr Kasit will use this opportunity to thank Cambodia for agreeing to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit, scheduled to be held in Hua Hin between February 27 and March 1.

During the meeting, both ministers would discuss the plan to open a permanent Thai-Cambodian border checkpoint in Sakaeo province. They would discuss tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Mr Kasit may also ask for pardons for two Thai-Muslims who were sentenced to a life imprisonment by the Cambodian court on charges of being involved with the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

However, the ongoing border dispute around Preah Vihear temple in Si Sa Ket province would not be raised during this time.

Kasit Piromya's visit to Cambodia

Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (L) shakes hands with Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya is in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (L) meets with Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya is in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
A view of a meeting between Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong (5th L) at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya is in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (L) and Cambodia's Foreign Minister Hor Namhong hold a news conference after their meeting at the ministry of foreign affairs in Phnom Penh January 26, 2009. Kasit Piromya was in Cambodia to discuss the disputed land around the Preah Vihear temple. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Thai, Cambodian foreign ministers meet to strengthen bilateral ties

PHNOM PENH, Jan 26 (TNA) - Thailand's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on Monday with the intention to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to a Thai foreign ministry statement, the main purpose of the Mr. Kasit's visit is to introduce himself on the basis of customary practice to become acquainted with Cambodia's top leaders after assuming the foreign minister's portfolio.

During the two-day visit Sunday and Monday, his first official visit as foreign minister, Mr. Kasit is having a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Hor Namhong, who is also deputy prime minister.

The Thai minister will have an audience with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and pay courtesy calls on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, as well as Chea Sim, President of the Senate and Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly.

Mr. Kasit will take the opportunity to thank Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for accepting the invitation to attend the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) summit to be held at Thailand's resort of Hua Hin, southwest of Bangkok, February 27-March 1.

The two ministers' discussion will include a proposal to open a new permanent border crossing checkpoint at Poi Pet opposite Thailand's Sa Kaew province, and Thailand is asking Cambodia to complete the survey and border demarcation before opening the new checkpoint.

The Thai foreign minister will reportedly seek royal pardons for two religious teachers who were jailed for life in Cambodia on terrorist charges.

The two Thai Muslim teachers were sentenced in December 2003 on charges of helping the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) plot a terrorist attack in Cambodia.

Thailand and Cambodia would also hold talks on cooperation on culture and tourism.

As for the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia at Preah Vihear temple, Mr. Kasit said he would not raise this issue during the talks as he would let the responsible committees to carry out their tasks and to show the sincerity of Thailand in solving the border problems via peaceful mean.

Why is Kasit allowed to visit Thais jailed for terrorism in Cambodia?

FM to visit Thais jailed of terrorism charge in Khmer prison

Sun, January 25, 2009
The Nation

Phnom Penh--Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya arrived here this evening to begin a two-day visit focusing on revitalizing Thai-Cambodian relations.

He will have a full program tomorrow with a scheduled bilateral discussion with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in the morning.

After the discussion, he will meet the two Thai religious teachers at the Phnom Penh Prison who were arrested in 2003 and now are serving a life sentence on terrorist charges.

Kasit plans to seek royal pardons for Muhammad Yalaluding and Abdul Azi Haji Chiming in the bilateral talks. The foreign minister will be joined by their spouses from Yala.

The Thai Embassy here has already requested a pardon from Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni but it will take time.

On Monday, he will pay several courtesy calls to Cambodian leaders including Prime Minister Hun Sen (Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen) and presidents of both upper and lower houses, Same dech Akka Moha Thamma Pothisal Chea Sim and Samdech Akka Moha Ponchea Chakrei Heng Samrin respectively.

The familiarization trip is aimed at restoring the Thai-Cambodian friendship which dated back several centuries. The ties have been soured due to the disagreement over the 7th century Hindu temple known as Phra Viharn in Thai or Preah Vihear in Cambodian.

Kasit will have an audience with King Sihanomuni tomorrow's afternoon and later on makes a sightseeing tour of Silver Pagoda inside the Royal Palace.

Trade between the two countries amounted to US$1.8 billion last year from US$1.4 billion in 2007.

From 1986-2008, Thailand has provided a grant of 1.2 billion baht and a soft loan totaled 2.2 billion baht for infrastructural development projects. Other assistances also include technical cooperation and training in various fields.

Kasit in Cambodia for temple talks

The above map is the border line claimed by Thailand, this map is NOT recognized by Cambodia

25/01/2009
BangkokPost.com and AFP

New Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya travelled to Cambodia on Sunday for his first official visit, with both neighbours hoping to make progress on resolving a sporadically violent territorial dispute.

A foreign ministry official said that Mr Kasit left for Phnom Penh at 6:55pm Sunday evening for a visit of about 24 hours. The agenda would include the disputed land around Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple.

"The foreign minister will make his first official visit to Cambodia mainly to introduce himself to Cambodia and strengthen relationships between the two countries," a press officer at the ministry said.

"He may ask about or mention some issues such as Preah Vihear... to update information and see the progress of those issues."

Troops from both sides have been stationed around the area for years, and recently had a deadly clash.

Negotiations aimed at reaching a solution stalled last year in the turmoil caused by daily demonstrations of the People's Alliance for Democracy, backed by Mr Kasit.

Mr Kasit was not only a vocal supporter of protests which shuttered Bangkok's airports for a week in November and December, but also criticised the previous government's handling of the crisis with Cambodia.

When he was opposition leader, Mr Abhisit strongly criticised the former government for helping Cambodia win Unesco recognition, and some members of his Democrat party have promised to return the temple to Thai sovereignty, rhetoric that infuriated Cambodia and threatened to cause new anti-Thai violence.

Mr Kasit is due to meet Cambodian premier Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni and other high-ranking officials.

A spokesman from Cambodia's foreign ministry said last week that officials including Mr Kasit's counterpart Hor Namhong will urge the visiting minister to help broker a peaceful solution as soon as possible.

Troops from Cambodia and Thailand clashed on Oct 15 on disputed land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, leaving four soldiers dead.

The border has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Tensions flared in July when the cliff-top Khmer temple was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling the long-running disagreement. The temple is in Cambodia but is easily accessible only through Thailand.

Thai minister to discuss temple dispute in Cambodia

Monday, January 26, 2009

BANGKOK (AFP) — Thailand's new foreign minister will travel to Cambodia on Sunday for his first official visit, with both neighbours hoping to make progress on resolving a sporadically violent territorial dispute.

A foreign ministry official said that Kasit Piromya would leave for Phnom Penh at 6:55pm (1155 GMT) and arrive back Monday evening, with the disputed land around Cambodia's Preah Vihear temple likely on the agenda.

"The foreign minister will make his first official visit to Cambodia mainly to introduce himself to Cambodia and strengthen relationships between the two countries," a press officer at the ministry said.

"He may ask about or mention some issues such as Preah Vihear... to update information and see the progress of those issues."

A spokesman from Cambodia's foreign ministry told AFP on Thursday that officials including Kasit's counterpart, Hor Namhong, will urge the visiting minister to help broker a peaceful solution as soon as possible.

Troops from Cambodia and Thailand clashed on October 15 on disputed land near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, leaving four soldiers dead.

The Cambodian-Thai border has never been fully demarcated, in part because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

Tensions flared in July when the cliff-top Khmer temple, which is in Cambodia, was awarded United Nations World Heritage status, rekindling the long-running disagreement.

Troops from both sides have been stationed around the area since then, and negotiations aimed at reaching a solution stalled last year as Thailand was gripped by political turmoil which brought down the previous government.

New Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva named Kasit as foreign minister last month, but he has turned out to be a controversial choice.

Kasit was a vocal supporter of protests which shuttered Bangkok's airports for a week in November and December, and the staunch nationalist also criticised the previous government's handling of the crisis with Cambodia.

Kasit is due to meet Cambodian premier Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni and other high-ranking officials.