8 July 2010
By Kongkrai Maksrivorawan
Source: Thai-Asean Network
The Cambodian government's sudden decision to extradite the two suspects believed to be involved in the bombing attempt at Bhum Jai Thai Party headquarters must be thoroughly reviewed before any assumptions could be make. Is this a sign of thawing relationship between Hun Sen and Abhisit administrations? Or is it merely another political ploy maneuvered by the seasoned Cambodian politician.
On one side, the Cambodian government is allowing an NGO to organize the “National Anti-Thailand Day” while refusing to turn in other fugitives wanted by the Thai authority. In the end, one question must be answered, how is the current relationship between Hun Sen and Thaksin? There has been a rumor that the two do not see eye to eye on some issues, namely the sharing of some vested interests. Perhaps Hun Sen has started to realize that he has been gaining nothing by siding with Thaksin and provoking Thailand.
The attempt to register the Preah Vihear Temple as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites has not benefited the tourism industry in the country as the Cambodian government had hoped for. On the contrary, the cross-border tension has affected the number of tourists entering Cambodia since they must pass through Thailand, which is a regional travel hub.
On other hand, if Phnom Pehn is sincere about resuming relationship with Thailand, then how is a number of red shirt terrorism suspects such as Arisman Pongruengrong, Suporn Attawong and Jakrapob Penkae are allowed to seek refuge in Cambodia.
It would not be a surprise if some people believe that Hun Sen would only benefit from the extradition of the bombing suspects. Thaksin may become doubtful of Hun Sen's intention and could be forced to give concessions to win back the favor of the Cambodian premier. Thaksin can no longer assume that Hun Sen he will not surrender the red shirt fugitives to Thailand.
Certainly, Thaksin must have been considering the possibility that he himself could even be extradited back to Thailand next time he is in Cambodia.
If the natural gas reserves along Thai-Cambodian border is the “common interest” of Thaksin and Hun Sen, this could be the best time for the Cambodian prime minister to make additional demands. Thaksin must also re-evaluate whether Hun Sen will continue to honor the pact agreed between both of them.
The recent gesture made by Phnom Penh to extradite the bombing suspects has proven that anything could happen in politics, where everything is based on common interests.
Thailand cannot yet trust Hun Sen as many information has yet to be reviewed and his sincerity has yet to be tested.
Taken from Kafae Dum Column, Krungthep Turakij Newspaper, Page 2, July 8, 2010.
Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan
Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.
On one side, the Cambodian government is allowing an NGO to organize the “National Anti-Thailand Day” while refusing to turn in other fugitives wanted by the Thai authority. In the end, one question must be answered, how is the current relationship between Hun Sen and Thaksin? There has been a rumor that the two do not see eye to eye on some issues, namely the sharing of some vested interests. Perhaps Hun Sen has started to realize that he has been gaining nothing by siding with Thaksin and provoking Thailand.
The attempt to register the Preah Vihear Temple as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites has not benefited the tourism industry in the country as the Cambodian government had hoped for. On the contrary, the cross-border tension has affected the number of tourists entering Cambodia since they must pass through Thailand, which is a regional travel hub.
On other hand, if Phnom Pehn is sincere about resuming relationship with Thailand, then how is a number of red shirt terrorism suspects such as Arisman Pongruengrong, Suporn Attawong and Jakrapob Penkae are allowed to seek refuge in Cambodia.
It would not be a surprise if some people believe that Hun Sen would only benefit from the extradition of the bombing suspects. Thaksin may become doubtful of Hun Sen's intention and could be forced to give concessions to win back the favor of the Cambodian premier. Thaksin can no longer assume that Hun Sen he will not surrender the red shirt fugitives to Thailand.
Certainly, Thaksin must have been considering the possibility that he himself could even be extradited back to Thailand next time he is in Cambodia.
If the natural gas reserves along Thai-Cambodian border is the “common interest” of Thaksin and Hun Sen, this could be the best time for the Cambodian prime minister to make additional demands. Thaksin must also re-evaluate whether Hun Sen will continue to honor the pact agreed between both of them.
The recent gesture made by Phnom Penh to extradite the bombing suspects has proven that anything could happen in politics, where everything is based on common interests.
Thailand cannot yet trust Hun Sen as many information has yet to be reviewed and his sincerity has yet to be tested.
Taken from Kafae Dum Column, Krungthep Turakij Newspaper, Page 2, July 8, 2010.
Translated and Rewritten by Kongkrai Maksrivorawan
Please note that the views expressed in our "Analysis" segment are translated from local newspaper articles and do not reflect the views of the Thai-ASEAN News Network.
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