Tension as Thaksin arrives in Phnom Penh
- Source: Global Times
- [01:02 November 11 2009]
- Comments
Ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra arrived Tuesday in Cambodia to start work as a government economic adviser, fueling tensions between the two countries after a series of border clashes.
Thailand vowed to seek the extradition of the fugitive billionaire who was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid corruption charges. Cambodia has said it would refuse any request.
The spat has plunged relations between the neighboring nations to their lowest point for years and threatens to cloud weekend talks between Southeast Asian leaders and US President Barack Obama.
Thaksin landed in a private jet at Phnom Penh International Airport early Tuesday and was escorted into the capital by a convoy of cars under tight security, according to an AFP photographer.
"Thaksin is here for the economy and no activities related to politics. It is an honor for Cambodia's economic sector, and we hope that Cambodians nationwide welcome him warmly," Cambodian cabinet spokesman Phay Siphan told reporters.
Thaksin is due to address 300 Cambodian economic experts in Phnom Penh tomorrow in his first engagement in his new post.
Phay Siphan said Thaksin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen – who are close friends and occasional golf partners – shared a welcoming lunch, and that Thaksin was expected to stay for "two or three days."
