4500 Cambodian security troops were deployed around the 22 hectares site for Thaksin's gathering.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Reporters, VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh, Washington DC
Cambodian officials are preparing to host a massive gathering of Thai political activists and supporters of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in what critics say is a dangerous political gamble that could hurt relations with Thailand later on.
Up to 50,000 “red shirt” supporters of the former premier are expected to descend on the tourist town of Siem Reap over the weekend, provincial authorities said. Thaksin himself will attend for a Buddhist ceremony, as Thais and Cambodians celebrate the New Year.
“The red shirts will pay courtesy to Thaksin on April 14, and they will have a Buddhist ceremony with 260 monks from Angkor Wat on April 15,” Siem Reap Governor Sou Phearin told VOA Khmer. “Thaksin will have a water blessing before he leaves the country.”
Thaksin supporters have been traveling to Siem Reap via road from Thailand since Wednesday, authorities said. Provincial authorities have set aside a massive 22 hectare sight about two kilometers outside of Siem Reap, Sou Phirean said.
Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006. He currently lives abroad and faces at two years in jail on corruption charges if he returns to Thailand.
The Thaksin-friendly Pheu Thai Party is currently in control of Thailand’s government, following several years of tumult. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is the prime minister.
But observers say this may not always be the case and that by allowing such a large gathering of Thaksin supporters, the Cambodian government risks angering opposition politicians and their own supporters.
“It’s good that both countries have a good relationship,” said Lao Monghay, an independent analyst. “But we have to think whether or not we are putting our nose into the affairs of other countries.”
“If a Cambodian group banned from returning to Cambodia [rallied] in Thailand, what would we think?” he said. “It would be a jumbled relationship.”
Kem Sokha, president of the opposition Human Rights Party, said this weekend’s gathering could actually harm Cambodia’s relationship with Thailand further down the road.
“No one can hold power for good,” he said. “There will be a leadership change in that country. For us, as a country, we are supporting one group and confronting another group. One day, when [the second] group wins and leads the country, what will they think?”
Both countries remain mired in a dispute near the border near Preah Vihear temple, fueled in part by political opponents of Thaksin.
Sou Phearin, however, said allowing the meeting will foster “future development” between the countries and was part of a “long perspective” by the government.
Government spokesman Phay Siphan downplayed the political nature of the gathering, calling it a “meeting between Thais and his excellency Thaksin” that was “just about tourism.”
Nevertheless, Walter Lohman, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, in Washington, said Thaksin could provoke further political problems in Bangkok that would affect Cambodia.
Cambodia’s government will receive criticism for allowing the gathering, he said.
Thaksin’s relationship with Prime Minister Hun Sen and visit to Cambodia are not likely to help the border dispute.
“If you don’t want a conflict, then let’s try to calm things down,” he told VOA Khmer. “Giving a speech in Siem Reap, going to Phnom Penh, are not conducive to peace. So I think it’s a real mistake, and I don’t know why the Cambodians are facilitating it.”
“The red shirts will pay courtesy to Thaksin on April 14, and they will have a Buddhist ceremony with 260 monks from Angkor Wat on April 15,” Siem Reap Governor Sou Phearin told VOA Khmer. “Thaksin will have a water blessing before he leaves the country.”
Thaksin supporters have been traveling to Siem Reap via road from Thailand since Wednesday, authorities said. Provincial authorities have set aside a massive 22 hectare sight about two kilometers outside of Siem Reap, Sou Phirean said.
Thaksin was ousted in a bloodless coup in 2006. He currently lives abroad and faces at two years in jail on corruption charges if he returns to Thailand.
The Thaksin-friendly Pheu Thai Party is currently in control of Thailand’s government, following several years of tumult. His sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, is the prime minister.
But observers say this may not always be the case and that by allowing such a large gathering of Thaksin supporters, the Cambodian government risks angering opposition politicians and their own supporters.
“It’s good that both countries have a good relationship,” said Lao Monghay, an independent analyst. “But we have to think whether or not we are putting our nose into the affairs of other countries.”
“If a Cambodian group banned from returning to Cambodia [rallied] in Thailand, what would we think?” he said. “It would be a jumbled relationship.”
Kem Sokha, president of the opposition Human Rights Party, said this weekend’s gathering could actually harm Cambodia’s relationship with Thailand further down the road.
“No one can hold power for good,” he said. “There will be a leadership change in that country. For us, as a country, we are supporting one group and confronting another group. One day, when [the second] group wins and leads the country, what will they think?”
Both countries remain mired in a dispute near the border near Preah Vihear temple, fueled in part by political opponents of Thaksin.
Sou Phearin, however, said allowing the meeting will foster “future development” between the countries and was part of a “long perspective” by the government.
Government spokesman Phay Siphan downplayed the political nature of the gathering, calling it a “meeting between Thais and his excellency Thaksin” that was “just about tourism.”
Nevertheless, Walter Lohman, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center, in Washington, said Thaksin could provoke further political problems in Bangkok that would affect Cambodia.
Cambodia’s government will receive criticism for allowing the gathering, he said.
Thaksin’s relationship with Prime Minister Hun Sen and visit to Cambodia are not likely to help the border dispute.
“If you don’t want a conflict, then let’s try to calm things down,” he told VOA Khmer. “Giving a speech in Siem Reap, going to Phnom Penh, are not conducive to peace. So I think it’s a real mistake, and I don’t know why the Cambodians are facilitating it.”
12 comments:
Those soldier doesn't look right with the elbow pad and knee pad
yeap, you are right! but they're ready to kill the bad guy.
Let show off to thailand, that khmers can do better than them,,
unliked, khmer in 1960',
i'm proud of our soldiers,
go kick ass..
I agree! Uniforms still doesn't look right though..Missed match still? Not modern like Thai soldier wearing...I think those commaders put on ebay.com selling the good uniforms...May be?
Gen. Kun Kim and Gen. Chea Dara put the good uniforms for sale on Ebay.com inorder to buy mistress a victoria secret...
Uniform looks good on those soldier but the elbow and knee pad doesn't look right at all
These soldiers have been trained by the flip-flopped, uneducated and corrupted general commanders so that soldiers looks very sloppy in Uniforms. Yes, agree with 14 April 2012 12:40 AM.
Dont Worry let them do their jobs alright!?Their uniform doesn't interference in their professionalism stop criticize none sense like this.siamee came to visit we have to provide security...young Khmer profesonal.
District of Columbia
Khmer soldier still look very sloppy within missed matched uniforms...They're not look sharp/professional like Thai soldier one bit..? Khmer still look kinda low class...?
These guys are Elite Brigade 70 Battalion Head Quarter BHQ Troopers. Most of our elite units are Indonesian Kopassus trained, These guys are no flip-flop. Stop insulting our countrymen while praiing the thai about their better stuff. if a gun was put to your head ur still dead. and its an improvement from their other uniforms so stop judging. I hate neighbors insulting us BUT WHT I HATE MOST IS SO-KHMER WHO CAME HERE TO UNSULT THIER OWN, WHO IS THE LOWEST OF THE LOW.
Cambodia doesnt provide flip-flop soldiers on VIP duties so dont stupid. They must be Elite, every country knows that especially counter terrorism. as i said i hate when khmer insult other khmer while F@@KING saying thai have this and have tht! tht is so un-khmer. ARE u really khmer?
DCCP GUY
Thai soldier alway looking sharp and professional and educated...But Cambodian soldier still looking sloppy and low class...for real??
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