[Thai ambassador arrived in Cambodia]Thai-Cambodia ties expected to be improved after Thaksin's resignation

Thai ambassador, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, seen leaving Cambodia on 5th November after he was recalled by the Thai government.

People's Daily Online
August 25, 2010

Just one day after Cambodian authorities announced the resignation of ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawatra as its advisor, Thailand sent its ambassador back to Phnom Penh on Tuesday and three Thais detained by Cambodia have been released.

Tension between the two neighboring countries seems to thaw.

ENVOY RETURNS TO DUTY

On Tuesday evening, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Thai ambassador to Cambodia returned to his post after almost 10-month absence since the Cambodian government appointed convicted ex-premier Thaksin as its economic adviser last October.

Thai News Agency (TNA) quoted Prasas as saying that he would coordinate with Cambodian authorities to present his credentials to King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.

The process was expected to finish within two weeks and was necessary before he could officially resume his duties, he said.

The ambassador also said he would subsequently pay a courtesy call on the Cambodian Foreign Minister and he believed that bilateral relations will gradually improve.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian ambassador to Thailand You Aye is expected to arrive in Bangkok on Wednesday.

THAI DETAINEES FREED

Another sign that tension has been eased is that three Thais detained by Cambodian authorities for nearly a week were set free on Tuesday.

The Cambodian authorities have released the three and will hand them over to Thai authorities at a border checkpoint in Thai northeastern province of Si Sa Ket, the TNA quoted Somkiart Sangkhaosutthirak, deputy governor of northeastern border province of Surin as saying.

Last Wednesday, Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet and Lan Sapsri, villagers in Surin were detained by Cambodian army on charges of illegal entry into the country and possessing firearms. Since then, the three were detained in a prison in Cambodia's Siem Reap province.

Their release was secured after negotiations between the Thai and Cambodian authorities.

Early Tuesday, the Bangkok Post online quoted Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, Secretary to Thai Foreign Minister as saying that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered Siem Reap governor to release the three men and they are expected to be released in two to three days after documentation is complete.

BETTER TIES EXPECTED

Several Thai officials hoped that relations with Cambodia will be improved after Thaksin resigned as an economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

This would lead to better cooperation between the two countries, and an easing of tension along the border, Chavanond said.

Meanwhile, Suthep Thaugsuban, Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs, said he would like to thank Hun Sen for announcing Thaksin's resignation.

"I thank all sides for trying to improve Thai-Cambodian ties. I believe both countries can now discuss the border situation more smoothly," he said.

Similarly, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said the tension should be eased and the two countries will be able to hold talks to resolve the border dispute around Preah Vihear temple.

"All issues between Thailand and Cambodia should improve as both countries already cooperate in many areas," he said.

Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat said the Thai-Cambodian rift should narrow down since Thaksin has resigned.

"Thailand and Cambodia are neighbours and have positive ties," the Commander said.

Source: Xinhua