Denial of Peaceful Protest by Union Members on 12 June 2009

Dear all,

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) today, June 12, 2009, issues a statement condemning the denial of peaceful protest by union members on June 12, 2009. Please find attached the statement in Khmer.

Kind regards,

CCHR

Unofficial translation from Khmer

CAMBODIA WATCHDOG COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL
# Havreveien 94, 4635 Kristiansand City, Norway, Tel: +4790818257/+4799489347
E-mail: cwci_secretariat@yahoo.com / cwci@start.no
Website: www.cwcinternational.wordpress.com

Kristiansand, 12 June 2009

Statement

On 12 June, the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU) was prevented by several hundreds of Cambodian government police force from holding a peaceful demonstration during the official visit of Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in Cambodia. The demonstration goal was to demand that Thailand pays damage compensations for Cambodian people living near the Preah Vihear temple. The action [of the Cambodian government] clearly confirms that Mr. Hun Sen’s government is nothing but a client-state of Thailand, and it agreed to dismiss Cambodia’s honor and benefit altogether. Furthermore, the prevention of this peaceful demonstration by CCU only encourages Thailand to pursue further its aggression on Cambodia because the Cambodian government is taking all measures to silence its own people, and preventing them from protesting. This is a clear violation of the Cambodian Constitution which grants full rights to Cambodian people to hold public gathering, and to hold peaceful demonstration and strikes.

With its plan turned down by the authority, CCU led by Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues decided to hold a press conference at its office instead. Nevertheless, Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues were still followed by the authority, and especially by secret government agents. This is tantamount to intimidation and threat against the personal safety of Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues.

CWCI is very concerned about the safety of Mr. Rong Chhun and his colleagues who could suffer from [ill will] attempts by Cambodian government secret agents. Due to past mishaps suffered by union and political activists after they were followed and threatened by government agents, these activists became target of murder attempts and the perpetrators of these crimes were never apprehended by the government nor were they brought in to face justice.

CWCI strongly condemns the actions taken by the government authority against CCU, and we call on International and National human rights groups to pay close attention to this case, we also call on them to push the Cambodian government to immediately cease all its threatening actions, as well as its prevention to hold public gathering and peaceful demonstration, and its repression against union and association activists.

CWCI President

(Signed) Men Nath

[Royal Thai Army] Plane hitch delays Thai PM's return from Cambodia

Royal Thai Army plane used by Abhisit to visit Cambodia

2009-06-13
Associated Press

The return of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva from a one-day official trip to Cambodia was delayed Friday by problems with his plane.

The chief of police at Phnom Penh's international airport, Chay Bunna, said late Friday night that that a new plane was being sent from Thailand to pick up the prime minister and his delegation, after their 9:20 p.m. departure was delayed.

"The technicians at the airport said that his plane has a very minor technical problem, so we insisted that he delay his flight schedule," said Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong.

Chay Bunna identified the aircraft, on which repairs were being made, as an Embraer 145. He said that Abhisit's party first waited at the airport for the aircraft to be fixed, but drove back to the city to wait further after it was decided to fly in a replacement plane.

It was not immediately known when the new flight would depart.

Abhisit met with Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni during his visit, his first to the neighboring country since he became prime minister in December. He also held talks with Thai businessmen and visited a hospital.

Khmer-Thai border dispute: Peace at top level meeting while fighting on the ground?

Thai, Cambodia Premiers Vow Peace on Border

By Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
12 June 2009

The prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on Friday affirmed their goal to maintain peace along the disputed border, where military clashes over the past year have led to casualties on each side.

“Both sides agreed to avoid armed conflict along the border,” a spokesman for Prime Minister Hun Sen said, following talks in Phnom Penh.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is on his first official visit to Cambodia. Both sides have hundreds of troops amassed along the contested border near Preah Vihear temple.

Fighting, including rocket and mortar fire, has ensued at least twice since last July, killing at least three soldiers on each side.

Hun Sen suggested military officers on both sides hold regular meetings to ease tensions, and Abhisit agreed, according to spokesman Eng Sophallet.

No demonstrations were held for Abhisit’s visit, despite warnings from the Cambodian Confederation of Unions. The confederation held a gathering at its headquarters instead, in protest of alleged Thai incursions into Cambodia.

As part of his visit, Abhisit returned seven stone artifacts from the Angkorian period seized from smugglers on the Thai side of the border. Cambodia has requested the return of 46 artifacts.

Thailand, Cambodia reaffirm dialogue as border dispute resolution tool

PHNOM PENH, June 12 (TNA) – Thailand and Cambodia agreed on Friday to adhere to peaceful means to address border problems and to proceed with negotiations under the agreed framework, according to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr. Abhisit on Friday paid a one-day official visit to Cambodia at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

During the visit he held bilateral talks with Hun Sen covering a wide range of issues including land and maritime boundaries, cooperation to promote peace and stability in border areas, development and use of land transport networks, energy cooperation, trade promotion, investment and tourism to collectively cope with various challenges resulting from the global financial crisis.

After the one-on-one talks, followed by a full delegation meeting, Mr. Abhisit told reporters that both sides agreed to foster cooperation in all areas, particularly in planning to resolve border problems by peaceful means and adhering to the agreed framework.

More talks would be held at different levels, including both military personnel and government officials, to avoid any future military clashes, he added.

The Thai prime minister said Thailand and Cambodia agreed to cooperate in a road-building project in which Thailand would grant a loan to Cambodia. Both sides would jointly develop the overlapping maritime boundary and also jointly study the Stung Mnam power station project as there were some different opinions over the project.

The two neighbouring countries also agreed to discuss details of an exchange of two prisoners, as there were two Thais imprisoned in Khmer jails while Cambodia also has two inmates serving jail terms in Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia have no extradition treaty.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation on rice as Cambodia is the third largest rice exporter after Thailand and Vietnam and wanted coordination in rice exporting which would be benifit all three countries.

Mr. Abhisit's visit to Cambodia was his first since coming to office late last year.

In addition, the two prime ministers witnessed a ceremony transferring seven pieces of Khmer sculpture from Thailand’s minister of foreign affairs to a representative of the Government of Cambodia.

The historic works of art hold religious and cultural significance for Cambodia and were smuggled into Thailand where they were intercepted and seized by the Thai authorities.

The return represents the application of an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to counter illicit trafficking and cross-border smuggling of ‘movable cultural property’ —mainly ancient Khmer temple sculptures – and to return such items to the country of origin. The pact was signed nine years ago in 2000.

Cambodia and Thailand promise to avoid border conflict available

Jun 12, 2009
DPA

Phnom Penh/Bangkok - Cambodia and Thailand on Friday pledged to avoid further armed conflict at a disputed border region where two fatal skirmishes between the South-East Asian neighbors have erupted in the past year.

The agreement came during a meeting between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva in Phnom Penh as part of a one-day visit by the Thai premier to the Cambodian capital.

Ieng Sophalleth, a spokesman for Hun Sen, said the two leaders agreed to avert armed clashes in the area surrounding the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple.

'The two prime ministers agreed to set up more negotiations to avoid any more conflict at Preah Vihear,' he said. 'Prime Minister Hun Sen promised there would be no more confrontation.'

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been strained since an armed clash broke out in July over separate claims to land surrounding the temple, which was granted to Cambodia in a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling. Two Cambodian soldiers were killed and several Thai soldiers injured in those clashes.

The temple has been at the centre of disputed claims between Thailand and Cambodia since the 1950s. In July, it was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO despite Thai objections.

The land adjacent to the temple compound, including its main entrance on the Thai side, has been claimed by both countries.

In April, Cambodian and Thai soldiers fought another brief battle in a disputed border area around Preah Vihear, which left two Thai soldiers dead and half a dozen wounded on both sides.

Abhisit's visit to Phnom Penh Friday was widely viewed as an attempt to soothe relations and included a ceremony to hand over seven Cambodian artifacts from the 12th and 13th-century Angkorian period that had been smuggled into Thailand.

A handful of unions and civil society groups planned to protest what they called 'Thailand's occupation of Cambodian land' during the prime ministers' meeting but their rally was thwarted by municipal authorities.

'Only a few dozen of us came because we knew the police presence would be large and we regret that the government would not let us have our say today,' said Rong Chhun, president of The Cambodian Independent Teachers Association. 'But we demand that Thailand withdraw its troops from Cambodian land and we demand that Thailand pays compensation to people for the damage caused during the fighting.'

During his visit, Abhisit also met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and held talks with Chea Sim, president of the Senate and Heng Samrin, the president of the National Assembly.

Ieng Sophalleth said Hun Sen used his meeting with the Abhisit to encourage more Thai investment in Cambodia and a 'more equal' trade relationship.

'The prime minister [Hun Sen] pointed out that many Thai products are imported to Cambodia, but perhaps more Cambodian products could be exported to Thailand,' he said.

Thailand, Cambodia to adhere to peaceful means [... until the next armed clash?]

12/06/2009
BangkokPost.com

Thailand and Cambodia on Friday agreed to solve their joint border problems through peaceful means in a meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

The two leaders met during Mr Abhisit's official visit to Cambodia.

Mr Abhisit said that, in solving border problems, the two sides agreed to exchange information in meetings at various levels of both military and administrative officials to avoid border conflict.

He said the two countries also agreed that Thailand will transfer two Cambodian prisoners it is holding to Cambodia, which will do likewise with two Thai prisoners being held in Cambodia. The two countries do not have an extradition treaty.

Cambodia agrees to return bomb plotters to Thailand

By Ek Madra

PHNOM PENH, June 12 (Reuters) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed on Friday to allow two Thai Muslims convicted of plotting attacks on Western embassies in Phnom Penh in 2004 to serve the rest of their prison terms in Thailand.

The deal was agreed during a meeting on Friday between Hun Sen and his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva, Information Minister Khieu Kanharith told Reuters.

The two Thais and a Cambodian, who were linked to the Southeast Asian militant group Jemaah Islamiah (JI), were given life sentences by a Cambodian court in December 2004 for plotting to bomb the U.S. and British embassies in Phnom Penh.

Chiming Abdul Azi, Muhammadyalludin Mading and Cambodian Sman Esma El were found guilty of colluding to attack the missions along with Hambali, the suspected JI mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

Hambali remains in U.S. detention since being handed over by Thailand after his capture in the central city of Ayutthaya in 2003.

Kanharith said several Cambodians serving prison sentences in Thailand would be returned as part of the deal.

"Hun Sen told his Thai counterpart that he would send the two convicted Thais to serve their punishment in Thailand and vice-versa," he said.

Kanharith said the transfers could take some time because Thailand and Cambodia have no extradition agreement.

The two leaders also pledged to settle a long-running dispute over the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, which has been a source of tension between the two countries for generations.

Two Thai soldiers were killed and nine wounded in April in a clash with Cambodian troops near the temple, which the International Court of Justice awarded to Cambodia in 1962, without ruling on the ownership of the disputed land around it.

"They gave assurances that armed conflicts would not take place at the border near the temple," Ieng Sophalleth, a Cambodian government spokesman, told reporters.

Hun Sen and Abhisit also said they would work to settle a maritime dispute over a potentially oil and gas-rich patch of the Gulf of Thailand, which both countries have claimed jurisdiction over, Sophalleth said. (Editing by Martin Petty and Jeremy Laurence)

7 ancient treasures returned to Cambodia

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, second right, and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, left, stand by a piece from Cambodian artifacts of the Angkorian era during a ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Heng Sinith / AP)

Statues from 12th century Angkorian era include heads of Hindu god Shiva

Friday, June 12, 2009
AP

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia - Thailand returned seven treasures from Cambodia's Golden Age to its neighbor Friday as the countries pledged to prevent further smuggling of antiquities.

The statues from the 12th century Angkorian era, including six heads of the Hindu god Shiva, were handed to Cambodian officials during an official one-day visit by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. Thai authorities seized them from smugglers in 1999.

Widespread looting of Cambodia's ancient temples has occurred in recent decades, with many items smuggled into Thailand for sale on the international antiques markets or to private collectors.

"The return of these artifacts shows that Cambodia and Thailand enjoy good cooperation and respect each other's laws," said Cambodia Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.

Eang Sophalleth, spokesman for Prime Minister Hun Sen, said the two sides agreed to cooperate in stamping out smuggling of national antiquities, and that the prime minister urged Thailand to return 36 other artifacts that belonged to Cambodia.

Both countries also agreed to speedily resolve a dispute over the 11th century Preah Vihear temple.

Tensions flared in July last year when UNESCO, the U.N. cultural agency, approved Cambodia's bid to have Preah Vihear named a World Heritage Site, leading some Thais to believe their claims to the surrounding land would be undermined.

Since then, several soldiers on both sides have been killed in gunbattles in the area, but neither side will back down.

The World Court awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but sovereignty of the surrounding land has never been clearly resolved.

Restoring Amicable Relations Tops Agenda As Abhisit Visits Cambodia

BANGKOK, June 12 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left Bangkok on Friday on an official visit to Cambodia to restore the normally close and cordial ties strained by renewed border clashes, especially by incidents near the ancient temple of Preah Vihear, Thailand News Agency (TNA) reported.

The visit will show Thailand's determination to find ways and means to resolve outstanding issues in a spirit of good neighbourliness and as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Thai prime minister will hold bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen which are expected to cover a wide range of cooperation.

The issues to be discussed include land and maritime boundaries, cooperation on promoting peace and stability in border areas, development and use of land transport networks, energy cooperation, trade promotion, investment and tourism to collectively cope with the various challenges as a result of the global financial crisis.

This visit is not just a goodwill visit, but is also a testimony of Thailand's commitment to further strengthening of its bilateral relations and cooperation with Cambodia, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abhisit said earlier he wished to create trust and improve relations between the two countries, despite the past, frequent clashes which would enable the peoples of the respective countries to cooperate with each other more.

The latest armed clash between the Thai and Cambodian militaries took place on April 3 near the Preah Vihear temple, which has long been a source of tension between the two countries.

Abhisit will be granted a royal audience with His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, Cambodia's monarch and will make courtesy visits with Senate President Chea Sim and National Assembly President Heng Samrin.

In addition, the two prime ministers will witness a ceremony to transfer seven pieces Khmer sculpture from Thailand's minister of foreign affairs to a representative of the Government of Cambodia.

The historic works of art hold religious and cultural significance for Cambodia and were smuggled into Thailand where they were intercepted and seized by the Thai authorities.

The return represents the application of an agreement between Cambodia and Thailand to counter illicit trafficking and the cross-border smuggling of "Movable Cultural Property" and to restore such items to the country of origin, a pact which was signed nine years ago 2000.

Abhisit said he would also meet the Thai business community in Cambodia, listen to their problems and that he would ask the Cambodian government to help protect their business interests.

Return of Khmer artifacts by Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (L) shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the handover ceremony of seven Cambodian artifacts which were stolen by smugglers, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen examines an artifact as Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (L) smiles during the handover ceremony of seven Cambodian artifacts which were stolen by smugglers, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reacts as Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (L) listens during the handover ceremony of seven Cambodian artifacts which were stolen by smugglers, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya (L) shakes hands with Cambodian Deputy Foreign Minister Hor Namhong(R) during the handover ceremony of seven Cambodian artifacts which were stolen by smugglers, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Photographers take pictures of three artifacts during a handover ceremony of seven Cambodian artifacts which were stolen by smugglers, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Thai premier to discuss border disputes during Cambodia visit

Fri, 12 Jun 2009
DPA

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva departed Bangkok Friday for a one-day official visit to Cambodia to discuss the neighbouring countries' border disputes that have erupted into armed confrontations twice within the last year. Abhisit, who left for Phnom Penh on a Thai Air Force plane, was scheduled to meet with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen for talks.

Thai-Cambodian relations have been tense since last July when an armed confrontation broke out over their separate claims to an area adjacent to the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu temple. Two Cambodian soldiers died in the brief border battle and several Thai soldiers were wounded.

The temple, which has been at the centre of disputed claims between Thailand and Cambodia since the 1950s, was granted to Cambodia by a ruling of the International Court of Justice in 1962. In July last year it was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO despite Thai objections.

The land adjacent to the temple compound, including its main entrance on the Thai side, has been claimed by both countries.

This April Cambodian and Thai soldiers fought another brief battle in a disputed border area around Preah Vihear, which left two Thai soldiers dead and half a dozen wounded on both sides.

The exchange of gunfire started when a team of Thai soldiers went to investigate the planting of landmines west of the temple, situated 350 kilometres northeast of Bangkok.

Several other smaller temples on the border have also fallen subject to dispute.

PM Makes Official Visit to Cambodia

12 June 2009
Thai ASEAN News Network

The prime minister is currently on an official visit to Cambodia for bilateral talks, including discussions on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is in Cambodia to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to introduce himself as Thailand's new prime minister, following the ASEAN custom. The visit was previously scheduled for April 18th, but it was postponed because of riots in Bangkok.

The prime minister will talk with Cambodian counterparts to find a peaceful solution to the Thai-Cambodian border issue.

Abhisit will also hand over seven artifacts that were from Cambodia about 10 years ago. He left Bangkok for Phnom Penh at 7.40 a.m., and will return to Thailand at 9.15 tonight.

Before leaving for the official visit, he responded to the opposition's request to have the extra parliament session on the borrowing decree televised live, that he does not have any objection. When asked about the possibility of the session being televised live, he said it depends on the coalition whips' discussion.

Hun Xen did not ask Thailand to remove its troops from Cambodian territories during his meeting with Abhisit

Outcome of the meeting between Hun Xen and Abhisit

Friday, June 12, 2009
DAP news
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Following the bilateral meeting between Hun Xen and Abhsit, the two sides agreed on a number of issues as listed below:

• On Cambodia’s request to Thailand to build a National Road 68, Abhisit said that his government is discussing about this issue.
• Cambodia requested for discussions on zone commonly controlled by both sides.
• Thai government asks the Cambodian government to form a cultural association between the two countries. Hun Xen agreed to this request.
• Hun Xen asked Thailand to open a new border gate for the transportation of goods between the two countries, and he also asked for Thailand’s agreement to use a single visa system for the people in both countries.
• Abhisit asked Cambodia to send experts to discuss hydro-electric plant in Koh Kong province.
• Hun Xen asked Thailand to order its soldiers not to have armed clash with Cambodian soldiers in various regions. He also wanted soldiers from both countries, as well as officials from neighboring provinces in both countries to hold numerous meetings and discussions so that they know each other better.
• In response, Abhisit said that more negotiations must be pursued on the border dispute issue.

It should be noted that, during this official discussion, Cambodia did not ask Thailand to remove its troops [out of Cambodian territories].

Abhisit's visit to Phnom Penh

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2nd R), accompanied by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (2nd L) greet the honour guard upon his arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (L), accompanied by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Phnom Penh June 12, 2009. Abhisit is in Cambodia for a one-day official visit to discuss border issues. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

Thai premier to discuss border disputes during Cambodia visit

Fri, 12 Jun 2009
DPA

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva departed Bangkok Friday for a one-day official visit to Cambodia to discuss the neighbouring countries' border disputes that have erupted into armed confrontations twice within the last year. Abhisit, who left for Phnom Penh on a Thai Air Force plane, was scheduled to meet with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen for talks.

Thai-Cambodian relations have been tense since last July when an armed confrontation broke out over their separate claims to an area adjacent to the 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu temple. Two Cambodian soldiers died in the brief border battle and several Thai soldiers were wounded.

The temple, which has been at the centre of disputed claims between Thailand and Cambodia since the 1950s, was granted to Cambodia by a ruling of the International Court of Justice in 1962. In July last year it was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO despite Thai objections.

The land adjacent to the temple compound, including its main entrance on the Thai side, has been claimed by both countries.

This April Cambodian and Thai soldiers fought another brief battle in a disputed border area around Preah Vihear, which left two Thai soldiers dead and half a dozen wounded on both sides.

The exchange of gunfire started when a team of Thai soldiers went to investigate the planting of landmines west of the temple, situated 350 kilometres northeast of Bangkok.

Several other smaller temples on the border have also fallen subject to dispute.

Thai premier visits Cambodia to strengthen bilateral ties

June 12, 2009
Source: Xinhua

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva arrived here on Friday to have his one-day official visit at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

During his stay here, Abhisit will meet Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and will pay courtesy calls on Chea Sim, the Senate president, Heng Samrin, the National Assembly president. Besides, Abhisit will also hold official talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Moreover, Thai Prime Minister will also handover seven pieces of Cambodian artifacts, stolen by illegal smugglers, to Cambodia, which will "represent a positive gesture in the relations between the two countries," according to Koy Kong, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

The Thai premier had earlier scheduled to visit Cambodia on April 18, but he cancelled it after the abrupt internal political problems arose in Thailand.

It was learned that Abhisit's visit to Cambodia will also focus on issues as border trade, the infrastructure, Cambodia's immigrant workers and transnational Crimes. Two leaders may also touch upon two countries' border issues that have turned into violence for nearly a year, according to local media.

It is Abhisit's first ever official visit to this country since he came to office late last year.

It is a normal visit to be paid by any newly elected head of state or government to its neighboring countries, especially for those from among the 10 member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

ASEAN comprises of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.