Ong-art: Good listener, humble mannerBangkok Post
PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul's recent visit to Cambodia was well timed as the rocky relations with Thailand's neighbour have been showing signs of improvement.
His trip followed hot on the heels of an official visit to Phnom Penh last week by Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot. Mr Alongkorn's mission was to boost economic cooperation with Cambodia.
Both countries have reinstated their ambassadors to the respective capitals after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra resigned from his post as economic adviser to the Cambodian prime minister, a position that had helped keep bilateral ties frosty.
Now that diplomatic ties are on the road to becoming normalised, both countries are putting their best foot forward in restoring relations.
Mr Ong-art, a seasoned politician and also former secretary to former foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan, is fully aware of the cautious diplomatic approach he must take with Phnom Penh.
He must work towards confidence-building so discussions can take place on sensitive topics, such as the long-standing dispute involving the Preah Vihear temple.
A good listener with a humble manner, Mr Ong-art has worked well in exercising his diplomatic leverage over the temple dispute and Cambodia's warm reception of Thaksin.
Mr Ong-art's reconciliatory tone in talks with Cambodia's veteran Information Minister Khieu Kanharith created a positive atmosphere at the meeting. The two agreed that improving communications between the two countries would benefit the citizens of both countries.
Both are former journalists, which might have helped to facilitate talks.
Mr Kanharith emphasised the need for reporters from both nations to maintain professionalism and avoid inciting people in their bilateral conflict.
The ministers were looking forward to the establishment of an information exchange system.
Concerts might also be held as a cultural exchange measure between the countries.
Mr Ong-art also plans to organise a ''Visit Thailand'' project, an orientation programme for Cambodian journalists to lift their understanding of this country.
Mr Ong-art was even granted an unexpected courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Departing totally from his usually unflattering tone when speaking about Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Hun Sen conveyed his praise for Mr Abhisit through Mr Ong-art.
He said Mr Abhisit is a well educated and smart young leader who is very experienced in many areas.
Sweet talk aside, it remains to be seen when the prickly issue of the Preah Vihear temple will flare up again.
PM's Office Minister Ong-art Klampaibul's recent visit to Cambodia was well timed as the rocky relations with Thailand's neighbour have been showing signs of improvement.
His trip followed hot on the heels of an official visit to Phnom Penh last week by Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot. Mr Alongkorn's mission was to boost economic cooperation with Cambodia.
Both countries have reinstated their ambassadors to the respective capitals after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra resigned from his post as economic adviser to the Cambodian prime minister, a position that had helped keep bilateral ties frosty.
Now that diplomatic ties are on the road to becoming normalised, both countries are putting their best foot forward in restoring relations.
Mr Ong-art, a seasoned politician and also former secretary to former foreign minister Surin Pitsuwan, is fully aware of the cautious diplomatic approach he must take with Phnom Penh.
He must work towards confidence-building so discussions can take place on sensitive topics, such as the long-standing dispute involving the Preah Vihear temple.
A good listener with a humble manner, Mr Ong-art has worked well in exercising his diplomatic leverage over the temple dispute and Cambodia's warm reception of Thaksin.
Mr Ong-art's reconciliatory tone in talks with Cambodia's veteran Information Minister Khieu Kanharith created a positive atmosphere at the meeting. The two agreed that improving communications between the two countries would benefit the citizens of both countries.
Both are former journalists, which might have helped to facilitate talks.
Mr Kanharith emphasised the need for reporters from both nations to maintain professionalism and avoid inciting people in their bilateral conflict.
The ministers were looking forward to the establishment of an information exchange system.
Concerts might also be held as a cultural exchange measure between the countries.
Mr Ong-art also plans to organise a ''Visit Thailand'' project, an orientation programme for Cambodian journalists to lift their understanding of this country.
Mr Ong-art was even granted an unexpected courtesy call on Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Departing totally from his usually unflattering tone when speaking about Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Hun Sen conveyed his praise for Mr Abhisit through Mr Ong-art.
He said Mr Abhisit is a well educated and smart young leader who is very experienced in many areas.
Sweet talk aside, it remains to be seen when the prickly issue of the Preah Vihear temple will flare up again.
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