* Published: 2/10/2009
* Bangkok Post
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's order to shoot intruders crossing the border from Thailand is simply an effort to raise his popularity at home, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured) says.
Mr Abhisit yesterday said this was not the first time his counterpart had spoken in this way.
The premier denied he had ordered troop reinforcements along the border, The soldiers were merely rotating patrols.
Border tensions flared this week after Hun Sen on Monday said Thais who trespassed into a disputed area around the ancient Preah Vihear temple ruins would be shot.
Mr Abhisit said Hun Sen's words were intended to boost his political popularity domestically and were not intended for Thai consumption.
Relations with Cambodia on other levels remained amicable, the armed forces said.
Nipat Thonglek, director-general of the Border Affairs Department, said Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara was in contact with his Cambodian counterpart, Gen Pol Sareoun.
He said the two sides often held informal talks to clear up any misunderstandings.
A security source said Hun Sen's statement might help shore up his popularity, especially as public sentiment swings away from him at home.
The source said Cambodian voters were increasingly disappointed with Hun Sen, who is seen to bow to demands from members of his cabinet perceived as Vietnamese and not real Cambodians.
The anti-Thai rant was a sort of diversionary tactic for Hun Sen, he said. By whipping up nationalistic fervour, he also could gain the political upper hand over his rival, senate president Chea Sim.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's order to shoot intruders crossing the border from Thailand is simply an effort to raise his popularity at home, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (pictured) says.
Mr Abhisit yesterday said this was not the first time his counterpart had spoken in this way.
The premier denied he had ordered troop reinforcements along the border, The soldiers were merely rotating patrols.
Border tensions flared this week after Hun Sen on Monday said Thais who trespassed into a disputed area around the ancient Preah Vihear temple ruins would be shot.
Mr Abhisit said Hun Sen's words were intended to boost his political popularity domestically and were not intended for Thai consumption.
Relations with Cambodia on other levels remained amicable, the armed forces said.
Nipat Thonglek, director-general of the Border Affairs Department, said Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara was in contact with his Cambodian counterpart, Gen Pol Sareoun.
He said the two sides often held informal talks to clear up any misunderstandings.
A security source said Hun Sen's statement might help shore up his popularity, especially as public sentiment swings away from him at home.
The source said Cambodian voters were increasingly disappointed with Hun Sen, who is seen to bow to demands from members of his cabinet perceived as Vietnamese and not real Cambodians.
The anti-Thai rant was a sort of diversionary tactic for Hun Sen, he said. By whipping up nationalistic fervour, he also could gain the political upper hand over his rival, senate president Chea Sim.
No comments:
Post a Comment