Cambodian prime minister's visit to Thailand signals improved ties

Cambodian prime minister's visit to Thailand signals improved ties

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen paid an official visit to Thailand, the first in more than a decade, as the two nations look to reset ties, following border clashes that have soured bilateral relations over recent years.

By Panu Wongcha-um, Channel NewsAsia

Posted 18 Dec 2015

BANGKOK: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday (Dec 18) began a two-day trip to Thailand, his first official visit to the country in more than ten years, to attend a joint cabinet retreat this weekend.

Accompanied by Cambodia's cabinet members and businessmen, Mr Hun Sen was welcomed by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha at the Government House in the capital Bangkok.

His trip also marks the 65th anniversary of the Thai-Cambodian diplomatic ties, which have soured over recent years following deadly border clashes in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

The conflicts involve the ancient Hindu temple of Preah Vihear, located atop the Dangrek mountain range that constitutes the boundary between Cambodia and Thailand today.

In 2008, a dispute over the adjacent area erupted when Cambodia tried to register Preah Vihear as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, leading to border clashes and loss of lives.

Besides the territorial conflict, Mr Hun Sen's decision to appoint former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in 2006 by a military coup, as an economic advisor in 2009 has also deepened the resentment among anti-Thaksin groups.

However, the two-day visit by Mr Hun Sen could signal a new direction for Thai-Cambodian relations, one that may rely less on Thai domestic politics.

According to Pavin Chachavalpongpun, an associate professor at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University, personal relationship remains crucial to Mr Hun Sen's foreign policy with Thailand.

“Now, the move to ease tension is beneficial to both Prayut and Hun Sen," he said. “By making peace with Thailand, Hun Sen can shore up support at home. While for Prime Minister Prayut, peace with Hun Sen means one less potential problem for the military government.”

Given that many pro-Thaksin supporters and political dissidents have escaped to Cambodia after a military coup in 2014, Mr Pavin speculated that deals may have been struck between the two governments to let Cambodia maintain its role as a sanctuary for Thaksin’s sympathisers.

At the same time, he added, the Cambodian government would ensure that nobody can use the country as a base to destablise the Thai government.

“The easing of tensions is good for now but Hun Sen knows that his long term interests still lie in his personal relationship with Thaksin."

Questions still remain, however, about whether the two sides will be willing to discuss the border disputesurrounding the ancient Hindu temple. Many observers say both sides, equally concerned with future clashes, are keen on maintaining the status quo and avoiding discussions about reclamation of the disputed land.

During Mr Hun Sen's visit, new agreements on areas such as expansion of border trade and investment, and fight against human trafficking are also expected to be discussed.

The two leaders also vowed to triple the value of bilateral trade over the next five years, an increase from the current volume of US$5 billion.

The likes of Sirin Sereethoranakul, a Thai businessman who owns many businesses in Cambodia, views the visit by Cambodia's prime minister as boost to the confidence of Thai businesspeople who are interested in investing in Cambodia.

“Thai people usually have misconception about the stability and safety of Cambodia, and the Cambodian attitude towards Thais,” Sirin said. “Twelve years ago, it was not so safe,” he added, referring to an attack against the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh by an angry mob in 2003.

“But now, things are much different. It's much safer and much more stable. Some Thais are really missing out on what Cambodia has to offer in terms of business opportunity by their misplaced fear."