Cambodia asked to extradite Thaksin

Published: 10/11/2009
Bangkok Post

The government has already given instructions to begin seeking the extradition of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra (pictured) from Cambodia, Prime Ministe Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday.

Mr Abhisit was speaking after receiving infirmation that the fugitive politician had arrived at Phnom Penh airport this morning.

He admitted it would be difficult since Thaksin's exact whereabouts were not known, and particularly so if the former prime minister made only brief visits.

The prime minister called on the Cambodian government to think again why so many things that have caused Thai-Cambodian relations to deteriorate happened during the past two weeks.

He stressed that the cabinet decision to revoke a memorandum of understading with Cambodia involved only the disputed maritime boundery area, not the disputed border area surrounding Phreah Vihear temple.

Concerning Thaksin's interview with The Times, PM's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey said the government had sent a letter explain its position with the news service and asked for a copy of the recording of the interview with Thaksin.

Since Thaksin claimed that www.timesonline.co.uk had twisted his words, the best way to get to the bottom of the matter was to listen to the recording, Mr Sathit said.

He believed The Times would cooperate.

Puea Thai party-list MP and red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said the government was dumping a lot of money into a public relations campaign to destroy Thaksin.

Mr Jatuporn said the recent Abac Poll which said Thaksin's popularity had declined was not correct. He dared Mr Abhisit to dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election now if the government really believed in the poll result.

He also claimed they distortion of Thaksin's words during the interview with The Times was deliberate and planned.

The Puea Thai MP said Thaksin was scheduled to meet with businessmen and economists in Cambodia today to exchange opinions.

He had received no confirmation from the former prime minister that he would withdraw from the advisory positions he was appointed to by Cambodia.