Hun Sen: Thaksin Will Visit Phnom Penh On Thursday

[webfact]

Thaksin to lecture 300 Cambodians Thursday

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Sunday that ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Cambodia to give a lecture on economic matters in Phnom Penh on Thursday.

Kyodo News reported quoting Hun Sen as telling a news conference at Phnom Penh airport that Thaksin will address a group of 300 Cambodians. Hun Sen has appointed Thaksin as his economic adviser.

The appointment has further strained Cambodia's relations with Thailand, with the two countries locked in a festering territorial dispute.

Hun Sen made a one-hour statement shortly after arriving back from a trip to Tokyo where he attended an international conference on the development of the Mekong River region hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.

-- The Nation 2009/11/08

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[hammered]

Hun Sen cranks it up one more notch. Lets await the Thai response.

[PeaceBlondie]

I had no idea that Cambodia had 300 economics experts.

[stumonster]

is cambodia the last country that will accept mr t ?

[gotlost]

The price of their realestate just hit rock bottom not that they need any help.

[webfact]

Thailand vows to seek Thaksin's extradition if he visits Cambodia: Thai PM

BANGKOK, Nov 8 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thailand will seek extradition of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra if he visits Cambodia on November 12.

His remark came after news reports that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced Sunday in Phnom Penh that ousted Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra will visit Phnom Penh this week in his new role as the government's economics adviser.

The ex-Thai premier will be at Cambodia's Ministry of Economy and Finance on Thursday to instruct several hundred Khmer economists, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Meanwhile, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs is studying laws involving the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Thailand and its neighbour Cambodia as agreements specified under its terms must be reviewed as a result of the current diplomatic row, said Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday.

Defending his government's decision not to scrap the MoU immediately, as it needs approval by Parliament first, Mr. Abhisit said the ministry is studying all the laws related to the MoU and his government has to cease the negotiations process with Cambodia.

If the process is continued, it could be interpreted as a conflict of interest, therefore, a review has to be made and send to the cabinet for its consideration, he said.

"Until now, we're not ready to continue the negotiations as we've to protect out interests," said Mr. Abhisit.

Both countries recalled their ambassadors after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed Thailand's ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser and economic adviser to the Cambodian government.

The MoU on the Area of their Overlapping Maritime Claims to the Continental Shelf, dated 18 June 2001 was signed by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An during the Thaksin administration.

Mr. Abhisit said his government would review whether the MoU will continue in force or not, or could be amended by his government. (TNA)

-- TNA 2009/11/08

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Scott]

"I had no idea that Cambodia had 300 economics experts."--PeaceBlondie

My God, ThaiVisa has more economic experts than that! One can only challenge the expertise of either.

[Scott]

It will be interesting to hear what Mr. T has to say and if he stays focused on economic issues in Cambodia.

At any rate, I am happy he has a job. Hope it keeps him out of trouble--mine sure does.

[h90]

I had no idea that Cambodia had 300 economics experts.

Now they have 301 economic experts.

They just add one corrupt ex-policeman to their team.

[ratcatcher]

Bangkok has announced the name of the representative who will escort Thaksin Shinawatra back to friendly Thailand.

Charles Calthorpe

[way2muchcoffee]

Hun Sen, Thaksin, et al are clearly attempting to provoke the Thai government. If these reports are true, they appear to be baiting the government, daring it to close the border. It smells like a trap. It will be very interesting to see how Abhisit and company respond.

Never a dull moment in this continuing saga of Thai politics.

Edited November 8, 2009 by way2muchcoffee

[Camelot]

My wife just commented that Thaksin should delay his visit to Cambodia by a day and go on Friday the 13th.

She said that would be a more auspicious day considering what he's up to.

No love lost there and she is from the North.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Yeah, I stopped talking with my wife about politics too. ( Typical yellow crap of looking down on everyone not 'Thai' which seems to include even Thais from Lao or Khmer origin. )

[crazyswede]

I had no idea that Cambodia had 300 economics experts.

They will after November 12!

[hardy1943]

"I had no idea that Cambodia had 300 economics experts."--PeaceBlondie

My God, ThaiVisa has more economic experts than that! One can only challenge the expertise of either.

Well you finally figured out the real meanging of FARANG.

Well educated and of means.

[webfact]

THAKSIN'S NEW JOB

Thaksin to visit Phnom Penh

By The Nation, Agencies

Published on November 9, 2009

Hun Sen warns any move to close borders would hurt Thai businesses more

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said yesterday that fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would visit Phnom Penh on Thursday to give a lecture on economic matters.

Hun Sen, who has appointed Thaksin as his economic adviser, told a news conference at Phnom Penh airport that Thaksin will address a group of 300 Cambodians.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he would seek Thaksin's extradition as soon as the fugitive former Prime Minister landed in Cambodia.

While relationship between the two neighbouring countries has been tense after Hun Sen's appointment of Thaksin as his economic adviser, the Cambodian said yesterday that the situation on the border with Thailand was calm. He also said he had decided to pull out special troops from the area near Preah Vihear Temple within a week.

However, Hun Sen said Thailand should not close the border as it would more hurt Thai businesses more than Cambodians.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit on his weekly programme yesterday encouraged Thais to express dissatisfaction over the Cambodian decision to appoint Thaksin an economic adviser and over criticism of the Thai justice system.

"Today, I want to invite all Thais to show unity and take a stand that we want to be and have a good neighbour. It must be based on the expression of mutual sincerity and respect," he said. "I think no Thai wants to see Thailand being taken advantage of. [Thais] don't want to see Thailand discredited by any other country."

Thaksin posted on a Twitter message that he would talk on the issue in his online radio programme tomorrow.

"You might be wondering why I'm silent on Cambodia. I say I'll let the government and the Foreign Ministry to be extremely crazy. And I'll talk on radio on November 10," he said.

Democrat MPs held a press conference supporting Abhisit's request. However, Bhum Jai Thai spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the government should be careful not to hurt businesses of Thai investors in Cambodia.

"We can say the government's measures so far have been enough to teach Cambodia a lesson while Abhisit has enjoyed critical support. But to prevent more rifts both the Thai and Cambodian governments should reduce their bias and talk for the sake of their countries. For example, the two countries had lost the chance to enjoy joint benefits from tourism and cultural promotion while arguing on who occupied the overlapping areas.

Abhisit said during the programme, "I want to tell Thais who used to visit Cambodia just for gambling, please stop for now to show that if [Cambodia] wants all business to return to normal, the Cambodian government should treat us appropriately in terms of mutual sincerity and respect."

However, about 60 per cent of casinos in Cambodia are owned by Thais.

"The Cambodian statement insisted that Cambodia would not proceed with this [Thaksin's extradition] and criticised both Thai politics, and most importantly the Thai justice system questioning issues related to the court, fairness. I think Thailand and Thai people cannot accept this. All of this is not about political conflicts within our country but this is what all of us must assert on the legitimacy and dignity of our core institution, which is the justice system," Abhisit said.

Abhisit said his government had treated Thai-Cambodian conflicts carefully. Although it decided to lower bilateral relationship by recalling the ambassador, it was keeping in mind not to hurt people-to-people relations and border trade, and avoid tension or violence along the border. He said the conflict would not hurt regional cooperation such as Asean and Mekong countries.

Abhisit said general relations between Thailand and Cambodia are in good condition with cooperation on many issues. Territorial disputes such as Preah Vihear Temple as well as overlapping land and maritime areas were considered normal for neighbouring countries and are dealt with through peaceful diplomatic negotiations. He cited road construction as an example of Thailand's support for Cambodia and cooperation among Asean countries. Abhisit also said Hun Sen had always said to him in the past 10 months that he would not let his relationship with fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra deteriorate or undermine the two countries' relationship.

Warning Cambodia of being misinformed, Abhisit said he had asked his Cambodian counterpart to reconsider the decision to appoint Thaksin an adviser. He said the appointment could be unfair to Thailand as Thaksin must have known lots of information. He added that the appointment of Thaksin would force Thailand to reconsider the framework of negotiation on the maritime natural resources benefit sharing.

-- The Nation 2009/11/09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[brahmburgers]

Is this the same Hun Sen who tried for years, in every way possible to squelsh the legal proceedings on his Khmer Rouge buddies. Nearly succeeded.

What's T going to teach the 300 Cambodian economic experts? Suggested topics:

>>> How to Hoodwink an Entire Nation in to Thinking You're Helping Them, While You're Actually Only Amassing Personal Riches

>>> How to Use the PM's Office to Gain a Monopoly in the Telecommunications Business

>>> How to Use Taxpayer-Financed Overseas Trips to Market Your Personal Business Interests

>>> How to Sneak Cash & Valuables Out of Your Country in 33 Oversized Suitcases

>>> How to Use Your Chauffeur to Hide Assets

>>> How to Hoodwink Leaders of Small Countries in to Thinking You're a Big Shot Investor, Without Actually Investing In Their Country

[virtualtraveller]

I can just imagine what sort of economic advice he'll give

"Help me get back in to power and you 300 will be richly rewarded..."

Frankly, in terms of the way Thaksin does business, there's not a lot he can tell Cambodia's finest 'businessmen' that they don't already know. All he can offer is how to succeed with these methods in a more transparent country like Thailand.

And don't forget, Hun Sen is probably equally useful in advising Thaksin how to subvert democracy and guarantee 'premiership in perpetuity'.

[Ricardo]

It will be interesting to hear what Mr. T has to say and if he stays focused on economic issues in Cambodia.

Perhaps he might lecture on the lucrative investment-opportunities which might come, in a possibly-shortly-enlarged, Cambodian Economic Sphere of Influence ?

One might advise the 300 economic advisers to count their fingers, after the hand-shake, and photo-opportunity.

[stumonster]

The price of their realestate just hit rock bottom not that they need any help.

maybe some politician could equate mr t's economic strategies with selling off the countrys land

interesting article about foriegn land ownership in cambodia

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/26/cambodia

[webfact]

Hun Sen challenges Abhisit to dissolve House

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly challenged his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House and hold a snap election.

Channel 3 reported quoting Hun Sen as speaking on the Cambodian TV Sunday night that he believed the Pheu Thai Party of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra would win the snap election.

-- The Nation 2009/11/09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[h90]

Hun Sen challenges Abhisit to dissolve House

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly challenged his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House and hold a snap election.

Channel 3 reported quoting Hun Sen as speaking on the Cambodian TV Sunday night that he believed the Pheu Thai Party of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra would win the snap election.

-- The Nation 2009/11/09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Herewith I challenge Hun Sen to dissolve the House and hold a snap election

As well I'll appoint Pol Pot as my human rights adviser

Very obvious that Hun Sen want to trap Abhisit to make something silly like closing the borders, or saying something inappropriate in anger.

(maybe Abhisit should tell the public how Hun Sen won elections (I think no one would call it democratic) in Cambodia.

[givenall]

not just any 300, but

"Thaksin will be at the Ministry of Economy and Finance on November 12, to do a briefing with more than 300 Cambodian economics experts," Hun Sen told a news conference at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Thailand can add trader charges to his other crimes too. He is helping other countries most likely to harm Thailand

[george]

Documents ready for extradition bid if ex-premier comes to Cambodia

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared documents requesting the extradition of convicted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from Cambodia as a contingency if he visits the neighbouring country’s capital Phnom Penh this week as reported, according to Vice Foreign Minister Panich Vikitsreth.

International media reported that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen told reporters that Mr Thaksin will visit Phnom Penh after being appointed an economic adviser, to lecture over 300 Cambodian economists at Cambodia’s finance ministry on Thursday.

Mr Panich said if Mr Thaksin is really in Cambodia, the Office of the Attorney General will request extradition from Cambodia as the two countries have already signed an extradition treaty.

He said all documents related to the case have already been prepared and translated to English as this was not the first case for an extradition request for Mr Thaksin.

The Thai foreign ministry official said that Thailand earlier requested Fiji and other countries which had treaties with the kingdom, and where Mr Thaksin was reportedly visiting.

After the request is sent to Cambodia, Thailand must wait for Cambodia’s legal procedures to be carried out and if Cambodia denies the Thai request then Thailand must review the status of its bilateral relations for another step under diplomatic protocol, he said.

Now Thailand is reviewing all existing bilateral agreements and cooperation projects made with Cambodia, as well as ongoing cooperation which the Thai government has extended to Cambodia following the withdrawal of the Thai envoy to protest the Cambodian government appointment of Mr Thaksin as economic advisor to the government and personal advisor to Mr Hun Sen.

However, he said, any measures will be adopted using diplomatic protocol and would not lead to military measures as that would be the last option.

Thailand’s Supreme Court Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Mr Thaksin to a two-year prison term in absentia after finding him guilty of a conflict of interest in Bangkok’s Ratchadaphisek land purchase case in 2003. He jumped bail and fled the sentence.

Meanwhile, Thailand would proceed to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the area of their overlapping maritime claims to the continental shelf.

The MoU, dated 18 June 2001, was signed by then-foreign minister Surakiart Sathirathai and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An during the Thaksin administration.

The issue will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration on Tuesday, said Mr Chavanont Intarakomalsut, Secretary to the Thai foreign minister.

He also defended the decision to scrap the MoU, saying that if the government let the MoU continue in force, it could damage Thailand's interest.

He added that the ministry would ask the Constitution Court to rule whether the MoU revocation must be considered by Parliament as required under Section 190 of the Constitution to prevent any future backlash.

-- TNA 2009-11-09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Trollkiller]

Haha. Looks like Hun Sen is trying to game Abhisit. This is gonna be interesting.

Looks like Abhisit is doing a great job of not giving into Hun Sen so far.

It's like Joker vs Batman all over again.

[Rideau]

I don't think Thaksin has the gut to.

[frodo]

Hun Sen challenges Abhisit to dissolve House

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly challenged his Thai counterpart Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House and hold a snap election.

Channel 3 reported quoting Hun Sen as speaking on the Cambodian TV Sunday night that he believed the Pheu Thai Party of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra would win the snap election.

-- The Nation 2009/11/09

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

It is becoming rather obvious that Hun Sen is meddling in Thailand's political affairs. Will be interesting to see where all this goes.

[LawnGnome]

Thaksin and PTP have made a terrible mistake. This is going to cost them a majority in the next election. Perhaps they don't yet realize it yet, but its there for all too see.

Give Thaksin enough rope, and he will hang himself. (Which he has done here).

[Oberkommando]

Is this the same Hun Sen who tried for years, in every way possible to squelsh the legal proceedings on his Khmer Rouge buddies. Nearly succeeded.

It is, but don't forget, it is already difficult to prosecute Khmer Rouge cadres when they have the backing of the US as the official Government representatives of Cambodia at the United Nations and while their leader Pol Pot aka Saloth Sar enjoys protection from Thai Special Forces units at his safe haven on Thai soil in Trat province.

[frodo]

Thaksin and PTP have made a terrible mistake. This is going to cost them a majority in the next election. Perhaps they don't yet realize it yet, but its there for all too see.

Give Thaksin enough rope, and he will hang himself. (Which he has done here).

Agree with you LawnGnome. I personally find it interesting that Thaksin is waiting until Tuesday to make any statement why he chose to serve Cambodia. He reminds me of Scar in "The Lion King." "Lions and Hyenas will become one!" I believe he realizes he screwed up on this and is now in damage control. His reasoning on Twitter was pathetic and was nothing short of the same swan song he has been singing for a long time now. I just hope he could be honest for once and admit that all of this was done for greed and power. Maybe he would gain some respect. An online article, which we are now longer allowed to use, has a nice editorial about this. Yes, PT and Thaksin have screwed up, and I hope the Thai people don't forget this quickly.