Foreign Minister consults UN Chief on Thai-Cambodian relations

NEW YORK, 25 September 2011 (NNT) – Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul met UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York, talking over the Thai-Cambodian relations.

Mr Surapong is attending the 66th United Nations General Assembly. He has also held bilateral talks with the UN Chief. After the talks, the Minister said Mr Ban was concerned over the Thai-Cambodian relations.

Mr Surapong had informed the UN Chief that after the new government took office and the visit to Cambodia by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra; the Minister believed the relations should improve. Mr Ban also agreed that there were signs of better relationship.

The Minister said the UN Secretary-General also congratulated Ms Yingluck for being the first female Prime Minister of Thailand. Mr Surapong has also invited Mr Ban to visit Thailand during the ASEAN Summit in Bali, Indonesia in November.

Concerning the exchange of prisoners with Cambodia, which would include the release of Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon now detained in Prey Sar prison, Mr Surapong said the move must be a consequence of Ms Yingluck’s visit. He personally believed the more prisoners being exchanged, the better the relations of both nations.

-- NNT 2011-09-25

Consulting someone that not a cousin? :blink:

When Ban Ki-Moon writes his memoirs I'm going to enjoy reading about this particular episode. Cringeworthy I'm sure.