Cambodian premier says Thai ex-PM Thaksin to visit

Thaksin (R) shook hand with Hun Sen when he arrived in Cambodia on 10th November, 2009.

Published on Sep 12, 2011

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Fugitive former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Phnom Penh this week for the first time since his sister took power in Thailand, Cambodian premier Hun Sen said on Monday.

Thaksin will arrive in Cambodia on Friday, Mr Hun Sen said, following Yingluck Shinawatra's one-day official visit on Thursday. A meeting between the siblings would risk inflaming Thailand's political divisions.

The controversial former Thai prime minister, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, is due to play golf with the Cambodian leader and address the Asian Economic Future Conference during his trip.

'Apart from being a friend, I will officially host Thaksin as a guest speaker,' Mr Hun Sen said at a graduation ceremony.