Hun Sen To Thaksin : Run To Me

[webfact]

Hun Sen to Thaksin : Run to Me

Published on October 22, 2009

If Chavalit Yongchaiyudh's decision to virtually lead the Pheu Thai Party is something of a political rebirth, he has hit the ground running.

One day in Phnom Penh and a bombshell was dropped on the already sour relationship between Thailand and Cambodia.

Following a meeting with Chavalit, Cambodian Premier Hun Sen told reporters how his wife cried at the mention of Thaksin Shinawatra's fate and how a plan to give Thaksin a home "that deserves his honour" was discussed.

"We have been great friends since Thaksin was businessman and the relationship has remained the same since he entered politics," Hun Sen said.

"Though I'm not Thai, I'm hurt by what has happened to him. My wife even cried on knowing about it and has an idea to build a home for Thaksin to come and stay honourably."

It was the closest thing to saying Cambodia would be willing to give Thaksin a political exile, an issue which will present both countries with an awkward situation, in addition to the Phra Vihear conflict, going into the Asean summit.

Chavalit, on his return to Thailand from the one-day visit to Cambodia, confirmed what Hun Sen said. And true to his characteristics, he created more speculation by suggesting he was ready to meet Thaksin's arch-rival Sondhi Limthongkul.

Sondhi's People's Alliance for Demcoracy reacted guardedly to that, saying that no matter what Chavalit had in mind, the PAD's fundamental stand remains unchanged _ Thaksin has to serve his jail term first, and the rest can be discussed later.

There have been whispers, though, that Chavalit had met another PAD key man, Chamlong Srimuang, before deciding to seek a "summit" with Sondhi. A Chavalit-Sondhi meeting, PAD insiders believe, is "possible". They said things could become clearer after key PAD members meet this coming Tuesday.

On Hun Sen and Thaksin, Chavalit said the latter would be given a house in case he wanted to have a long stay in Cambodia.

Chavalit met Hun Sen during his one-day visit to Phnom Penh yesterday as a representative of Thaksin-backed Peu Thai Party.

As a long time friend, Prime Minister Hun Sen paid a lot of attention to fate of Thaksin, Chavait said.

Hun Sen has known Thaksin for long time since the latter was a normal businessman who invested in Cambodia.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen and his family are neither Thai nor relative of Thaksin but feel sympathy to him and want to declare that they are friend forever," Chavalit said.

"They have prepared a beautiful house for Thaksin and give him an honor as a friend," he said.

Asked if the Thai government was concerned over his visit to Phnom Penh, Chavalit said no government official called him to express such concern since he just went there to visit his friends and did not represent the government.

However Chavalit also discussed border conflict at the area near Preah Vihear temple with Hun Sen and praised Cambodia's stance to solve the problem with peaceful way.

The border conflict could be solved via bilateral mechanism of joint boundary commission, he said.

"We don't expect the issue could be solved within a few days, it could be 20 years but we should handle it with understanding and friendship," he said.

On the sea boundary, Chavalit said Cambodia has not yet granted concession to exploit oil and gas in the sea overlapping area to any foreign companies but is waiting for the Thai government to negotiate on the issue.

-- The Nation 2009/10/22

[eljeque]

Funny enough, Thailand and Camodia were so friendly and in fact downright chummy back when T was running the show. :-)

"We have been great friends since Thaksin was businessman and the relationship has remained the same since he entered politics," Hun Sen said.

[Camelot]

You mean when the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh and offices belonging to Thai businesses were burned down back when Thaksin was the prime minister? Timing is the key. Hun Sen is due here tomorrow for the three-day Asean Summit in Cha-Am.

Every time there's an Asean Summit or conference Thaksin always seems to steal the show and grab the headlines just as the regional heads of state arrive. Abhisit disappears off the front pages.

Coincidence? I don't think so. More like superb PR and crafty planning.

[animatic]

money talks

[BanTamo]

Does anyone recall how, in the early days of T's 'war on drugs,' when the eastern border was closed to the traffickers in the WY, Khao Phra Wiharn became their main route into the country? Surely HS knows what he is doing with this polite little overture?

[mackayae]

Once T is established in Cambodia, HS can trade him for the temple and a few more perks.

[mdechgan]

Great move HS. Are you sure you want to go there? If I were the PM I would close all borders and issue a complete embargo even to poipet and koh kong. Cancel all flights and boats from Thailand to cambodia even to stop issueing visas to any cambodian passports.

[dkstoney]

Does anyone recall how, in the early days of T's 'war on drugs,' when the eastern border was closed to the traffickers in the WY, Khao Phra Wiharn became their main route into the country? Surely HS knows what he is doing with this polite little overture?

I don't. Could you provide a source for that?

[ratcatcher]

I am sure the present Thai government doesn't really give a dam_n where Thaksin spends his days, as long as it's not in Thailand. However Hun Sen's comments and offer must seem really offensive to Abhisit and his party.

However, as Camelot said, you have to give Thaksin's PR team full points for keeping their product on the front pages.

[Bagwan]

Great move HS. Are you sure you want to go there? If I were the PM I would close all borders and issue a complete embargo even to poipet and koh kong. Cancel all flights and boats from Thailand to cambodia even to stop issueing visas to any cambodian passports.

But you are not the PM are you, and a moments thought should tell you why. So who owns all the casinos across the border in Cambodia?

[trogers]

It is now clear who those people and their cronies are, who were, and still are, selling off this country for their personal benefit.

[Insight]

While Thailand is desperately trying to raise her head out of obscurity Cambodia seems happy to wallow in it.

More power to them. Let's hope this weekend passes without any serious incident.

[jayjayjayjay]

money talks

and in Asia, no money politics results in nothing getting done(Chuan Leakpai's administration and the same for existing one). Live with it!

[hammered]

It suits Thaksin and Hun Sen to undermine the ASEAN conference as Abhisit is hosting it.

Since the embassy burning days Thaksin has clearly done some nice buisiness deals tro keep Hun Sen happy. Wonder what they are?

There are a lot of border disputes linked to resources and a compliant government or government who owed Hun Sen would suit Cambodia well. Of course Thai businessmen are also able to do deals in Cambodian territory and preferentially if things go right.

The elite of Cambodia and the out of favour Thai elite are obviously nicely allied over common interests right now. Thge side deals may become obvious in coming years but will never be totally provable as always

[kalbo123]

It suits Thaksin and Hun Sen to undermine the ASEAN conference as Abhisit is hosting it.

Since the embassy burning days Thaksin has clearly done some nice buisiness deals tro keep Hun Sen happy. Wonder what they are?

There are a lot of border disputes linked to resources and a compliant government or government who owed Hun Sen would suit Cambodia well. Of course Thai businessmen are also able to do deals in Cambodian territory and preferentially if things go right.

The elite of Cambodia and the out of favour Thai elite are obviously nicely allied over common interests right now. Thge side deals may become obvious in coming years but will never be totally provable as always

Just heared Phil., Cambodia, Indonesia and Malysia are not coming to the Asean top.. so I gues it's a massive lose of face already.. again!

[hammered]

Less than an hour ago it waas reported in the philippines that Arroyo would attend and was leaving for Thailand tomorrow.

A boycott would be loved by Thaksin but lets see. I could see Hun Sen finding a reason but we will see.

By the way the Hun Sen-Thaksin link could backfire considering the bad relations between the two countries. Thaksin's family are already distancing him and there are reports in PTP that some ex-Thaksin loyalists are worried that PTP has been infiltrated in the recent intakes with an aim of undermining it. Interesting times

[Samuian]

CHavalit goes with his entourage, the Class 10 men,

to see "the man" in Dubai, they return and announce that

they join Pheua Thai, "Pa Prem" makes an open statement

without being asked, which is very rare - and tells the press

that he is deeply disappointed about this move, Chavalit goes

to Cambodia and comes back with this message: "Cambodia

is prepared to host the "ousted man", "the Hero"....!

What a message!

The man in Dubai will stop at nothing, never ever - until he got it his way

or unless.... someone has the guts to stop him, all this "we are Thai people - Mai pen rai"!

behavior creates the fence this guy is p.....g down on to this nation from at random

and at will and laughing all the way, he got his show and he runs it - no matter what!

Let's see how long people are prepared to bear this, for how much more

they are willing to allow this man to run the show.

[webfact]

Politicians, former politicians, convicted politicians and public figures we dislike have proper names.

Please use them. Otherwise stronger action will follow.

Posts deleted

[webfact]

RUN TO ME

Thanks for calling me your true friend : Thaksin to Hun Sen

By The Nation

Runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra thanked Cambodia's PM Hun Sen in his twitter for welcoming him to the country and having an idea to build a home for him.

"I have to express deepest thanks to Prime Minister Hun Sen for saying in public that I am his friend. I also would like to thank him for arranging me a house," Thaksin said in his tweeter; Thaksinlive.

Hun Sen on Thursday told reporters after meeting with visiting Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh who visited Phom Penh on Thursday.

"I consider Thaksin as my eternal friend. Cambodia will welcome him to stay here for anytime. I make the house available for him at any time if he decides to visit Cambodia."

"I also talked with Chavalit about the cooperation between Puea Thai Party and Cambodian People's Party".

"Though I'm not Thai, I'm hurt by what has happened to him. My wife even cried on knowing about it and has an idea to build a home for Thaksin to come and stay honourably," Hun Sen said.

"We have been great friends since Thaksin was businessman and the relationship has remained the same since he entered politics," Hun Sen said.

-- The Nation 2009/10/22

[animatic]

money talks

and in Asia, no money politics results in nothing getting done(Chuan Leakpai's administration and the same for existing one). Live with it!

When the Asian or World Ecconomy tanks totally it's hard for anything to get done,

except put out fires and fix fundamentals. That's what Abhisit and Chuan get saddled with.

And when the hard decisions get done and the world improves, then prats like Thaksin come

and take credit for the good economy they had NOTHING to do with creating.

Thaksin's puppets of PPP completely lost track of the world around them,

just as Chavalit did before the '97 crash, and then leave the damage for others to fix.

And blame those getting the short straw, for the effects of a world economic collapse,

that they had nothing to do with.

Edited October 22, 2009 by animatic

[webfact]

Thaksin warned about extradition if entering Cambodia

By The Nation

Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra will face extradition if he enters Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said on Thursday. Suthep said Cambodia and Thailand has an extradition agreement which will be enforced to apprehend Thaksin in order to bring him back to serve his two-year jail term.

He was reacting to reports that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has offered to build a house to welcom Thaksin who he sees as a old friend.

Pheu Thai adviser Chavalit Yongchaiyudh broke the news about Hun Sen's offer following his visit to Phnom Phen on Wednesday.

"I am not surprised about friendship between Hun Sen and Thaksin but Thailand will make the extradition request if Thaksin is provided with a permanent shelter in Cambodia," Suthep said.

-- The Nation 2009/10/22

[jcsmith]

Great move HS. Are you sure you want to go there? If I were the PM I would close all borders and issue a complete embargo even to poipet and koh kong. Cancel all flights and boats from Thailand to cambodia even to stop issueing visas to any cambodian passports.

Talk about an over-reaction. Let's just turn Southeast Asia into the Middle East while your at it.

"I am not surprised about friendship between Hun Sen and Thaksin but Thailand will make the extradition request if Thaksin is provided with a permanent shelter in Cambodia," Suthep said.

That statement seems pretty hypocritical, considering that Thailand refused to extradite the arms dealer, what last month?

Edited October 22, 2009 by jcsmith

[Lancelot]

Great move HS. Are you sure you want to go there? If I were the PM I would close all borders and issue a complete embargo even to poipet and koh kong. Cancel all flights and boats from Thailand to cambodia even to stop issueing visas to any cambodian passports.

I believe an embargo would hurt the Thais more, as Thailand exports far more to the Khemers than they import from them. The Vietnamese would be only to happy to fill the gap

One skill both Hun Sen and Thaksin possess-surviving...

[TAWP]

"I am not surprised about friendship between Hun Sen and Thaksin but Thailand will make the extradition request if Thaksin is provided with a permanent shelter in Cambodia," Suthep said.

That statement seems pretty hypocritical, considering that Thailand refused to extradite the arms dealer, what last month?

Yes, in accordance of the LAW.

But nevermind that if you can use it as a baseball bat in an argument...

[LawnGnome]

Lawngnome to Thaksin: Suck it!

[otherstuff1957]

Chavalit had close ties to a powerful Khmer back to about 20 years ago. It was rumored that he was letting this fellow base his organization in Thailand in exchange for timber and mining rights in NW Cambodia. A friend who worked for the UN used to see trucks full of logs heading for Thailand in those days. The drivers told him that they were working for Chavalit with protection from the KR.

It would seem that Chavalit still has friends in various Khmer political parties.

[Samuian]

"The Man from Dubai" is definately looking hard to smooth things out,

and searching ways for a possible reconciliation, only he makes the terms!

And he must have a great likening for intrigue soaps!

Him and HS - "brothers in arms" - get's a complete new meaning then.

[hardy1943]

It suits Thaksin and Hun Sen to undermine the ASEAN conference as Abhisit is hosting it.

Since the embassy burning days Thaksin has clearly done some nice buisiness deals tro keep Hun Sen happy. Wonder what they are?

There are a lot of border disputes linked to resources and a compliant government or government who owed Hun Sen would suit Cambodia well. Of course Thai businessmen are also able to do deals in Cambodian territory and preferentially if things go right.

The elite of Cambodia and the out of favour Thai elite are obviously nicely allied over common interests right now. Thge side deals may become obvious in coming years but will never be totally provable as always

Who cares who shows up, does anyone really care, did they ever accomplish anything worth while, does the rest of the world care HE_LL NO

[basjke]

From a source that can't be named due to the sensitivity of the case I recieved a picture of the house that Hun Sen has reserved for his Running mate.It is the third from the right and has an excellent river view.

[samran]

HS just meddling in Thai politics by trying to distabilise the government with all this Thaksin stuff.

If Dear Leader was still in power, he'd be doing the same thing against Thaksin.