Phnom Penh to revoke Thaksin's advisor position

[nittaabi]

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva hinted on Monday that Cambodia will revoke fugitive ex-Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra from the position of economic adviser.

Abhisit said he is waiting for Cambodia to announce this, possibly within today.

Meanwhile AFP reported from Phnom Penh that Thaksin resigned from the position appointed in October last year. The appointment has worsened the bilateral ties and been followed by recalling their ambassadors.

Abhisit told reporters that Thailand is willing to reinstate its ambassador if Cambodia really cancelled Thaksin's advisor position.

He said the move on the matter will be taken one step at a time when asked what his government will do in case Phnom Penh do so.

"(If the revocation happens), my government will focus on the reinstating of the ambassador," he said.

Asked whether the move will help solve the current border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, the prime minister emphasised if both countries re-appoint their envoys, the problems will be solved.


-- The Nation 2010-08-23