Thai deputy PM meets Cambodian PM in amicable talks

BANGKOK, Feb 17 (MCOT online news) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri and Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at Cambodia's Government House on Thursday in a meeting they described as having a friendly atmosphere.

The meeting was the first meeting of Thailand’s deputy prime minister with Cambodian leader after the border clashes on Feb 4-7 which killed at least eight people on both sides.

The visit of Thai delegates to Cambodia was to attend the first Thai-Cambodian business summit and the Thailand Trade Fair in Phnom Penh held from February 17-20. Out of 175 booths at the trade fair, 150 booths are Thai participators including 53 private companies and 25 booths belong to Cambodian traders.

Suthep might not run in by-election

30/06/2009
BangkokPost.com

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Tuesday he might not stand for re-election in his home constituency in Surat Thani province if the Election Commission disqualifies him as an MP for holding shares in companies which have a concession from the state.

Mr Suthep said he was getting older and there were many ways he could continue his political activities without having to contest a by-election.

If he were disqualified he could continue to hold the position of deputy prime minister, which does not have to be filled by an elected MP. He had no plans to get out of politics.