PM satisfied with Cambodian visit

Sunday, 18 September 2011
By NNT

BANGKOK, 16 September 2011 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has expressed satisfaction with her official visit to Cambodia, during which bilateral cooperation in various areas as well as assistance for Thai detainees were discussed.

After returning from Cambodia on Thursday, Prime Minister Yingluck stated that she was very content with her one-day introductory visit to the neighboring country. She believed it would help restore the good relationship between Thailand and Cambodia and pave the way for closer cooperation in many aspects for the benefits of the peoples.

Citing her discussion with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Ms Yingluck said they agreed to address the border dispute by resorting to negotiations under the General Border Committee (GBC) framework in compliance with the ruling of the International Court of Justice. The negotiation framework will be presented to the Cabinet for approval soon.

The two leaders also conferred about the promotion of trade along the border through the opening of the Aranyaprathet-Stung Bot Checkpoint, the implementation of the single visa program to attract more tourists as well as the eradication of transnational crimes, narcotic drugs and illegal logging. The governors of border provinces in both countries have been assigned to coordinate closely with one another on the issues.

In regard to the release of Mr Weera Somkwamkid and Ms Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, who have been detained at Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh for spying, Ms Yingluck was informed by her Cambodian counterpart that the two must first receive two-thirds of their punishment before amnesty could be granted. However, she was assured that efforts would be gradually made to reduce their time in jail.

On this occasion, the Thai premier also had a chance to pay a courtesy call to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni prior to her departure.