Abhisit asks Chavalit, don't do it again

* Published: 26/10/2009
* Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday asked Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (pictured) not to cause any more problems the way he did to Thai relations with Cambodia.

Mr Abhisit said said Gen Chavalit, the Puea Thai Party chairman, was free to visit any other neighbouring countries apart from Cambodia, since he is a former prime minister.

However, he should do so only in the interests of the country, not in the interests of any individuals, he said.

The prime minister said Gen Chavalit should not cause any more problems. He had been the cause of the latest row between Thailand and Cambodia over Thaksin.

Mr Abhisit said that the problem caused by an interview given by Prime Minister Hun Sen was not serious enough for Thailand to sever ties with Cambodia, and Mr Hun Sen's stance did not have any adverse effects on the Asean summit.

Asked whether Thailand would ask Cambodia to extradite Thaksin, Mr Abhisit said it was still uncertain whether the fugitive former prime minister would really stay in that country.