Thai, Cambodian PMs may talk at Asem summit

(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he will attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Beijing from Oct 23 to 25, and he may hold informal talks on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen there.

"If there is an opportunity for bilateral talks, then it would be held, but it also depends on the coordination between both countries’ foreign ministries. The matter should not be raised at the Asem," Mr Somchai said.

According to Prime Minister Hun Sen’s advisor, both premiers could meet and seek solutions to the border conflict, and they may hold informal talks at the Asem in Beijing on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry of Cambodia disclosed that the border row between the two countries will be Cambodia’s main informal agenda. The Thai Foreign Ministry has not responded to this report yet.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Asean Affairs director-general Vitavas Srivihok affirmed that Thailand is ready to host the Asean Summit this December, and Prime Minister Somchai will remain as the Asean chairman despite facing a political crisis.