Thailand recalls envoy from Cambodia, Phnom Penh retaliates in kind
Just as many had feared, the stormy relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was pushed to the edge yesterday when Bangkok responded to fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment as the neighbouring country's economic adviser by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh.
Cambodia's retaliation - the planned recall of its ambassador here, You Aye, who Deputy Cambodian Prime Minister Sok An said would not return until Bangkok sends its own envoy back - ensured bilateral ties were at their worst level in years.
If Thaksin's appointment was an unmistakable diplomatic provocation, recalling the Thai envoy was the strongest possible response yet - equivalent to a downgrade of relations between the countries.
Former foreign minister Tej Bunnag warned that the ambassadorial recalls meant a major channel of communications had been removed.
The Foreign Ministry recalled Prasas Prasasvinitchai, the ambassador to Phnom Penh, to Bangkok yesterday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Wednesday that Thaksin had been royally appointed as economic adviser and would not be extradited to Thailand.
These new developments add more problems to the ongoing process of boundary demarcation, and border conflicts at the area near the Preah Vihear Temple will become more difficult to resolve.
Now it is up to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to calmly speak to Prime Minister Hun Sen when they meet in Tokyo today and tomorrow at the Japan-Mekong Summit, Tej said.
"Bilateral ties should not be damaged by a single individual," he added.
However, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said there were no plans for Abhisit to meet Hun Sen during the Tokyo summit.
"We will not call him but if he calls us, we might talk," he said at a press conference. "So far we have nothing to say to him."
Reflecting Bangkok's "enough is enough" attitude, Chavanont said Thailand would not tolerate Hun Sen's behaviour any longer because the government had already explained Thaksin's legal status to him several times.
"Thaksin's appointment is seen as an interference in Thailand's domestic affairs and a failure to respect the Thai judicial system," he said.
Downgrading bilateral relations is always an option for Thailand when it comes to responding to Cambodia. The Kingdom had previously downgraded ties in 2003 after an arson attack at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh - ironically while Thaksin was prime minister. But that was a brief estrangement because Thaksin was always on good terms with Hun Sen.
However, this Democrat-ruled government is different. It is not clear how long it will take to resume normal relations, because the Thai side is going to review all bilateral agreements and cooperation projects. Thailand has a number of ongoing projects with Cambodia in many areas, including transportation and energy.
Every time relations between the two nations get sour, Thai interests in Cambodia, notably in trade and investment, always get affected. The 2003 riots and the anti-Thai sentiment caused a lot of damage to Thai businesses in the country, and investors were only able to resume their businesses a few years ago.
Thailand currently has scores of investment projects worth billions of baht, but bilateral trade in the first half of this year showed a 25-per-cent contraction from the same period last year, though trade experts believed it would recover in the second half. Border trade was also expected to show signs of recovery if relations had not been jeopardised.
Besides, the situation could become worse if a party in Cambodia stoked anti-Thai sentiment, as happened in 2003.
The only way to maintain bilateral interests would be to mend relations as soon as possible. However, with Thaksin and Hun Sen now the best of friends, observers say things can go either way - better or worse.
Just as many had feared, the stormy relationship between Thailand and Cambodia was pushed to the edge yesterday when Bangkok responded to fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's appointment as the neighbouring country's economic adviser by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh.
Cambodia's retaliation - the planned recall of its ambassador here, You Aye, who Deputy Cambodian Prime Minister Sok An said would not return until Bangkok sends its own envoy back - ensured bilateral ties were at their worst level in years.
If Thaksin's appointment was an unmistakable diplomatic provocation, recalling the Thai envoy was the strongest possible response yet - equivalent to a downgrade of relations between the countries.
Former foreign minister Tej Bunnag warned that the ambassadorial recalls meant a major channel of communications had been removed.
The Foreign Ministry recalled Prasas Prasasvinitchai, the ambassador to Phnom Penh, to Bangkok yesterday after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen announced on Wednesday that Thaksin had been royally appointed as economic adviser and would not be extradited to Thailand.
These new developments add more problems to the ongoing process of boundary demarcation, and border conflicts at the area near the Preah Vihear Temple will become more difficult to resolve.
Now it is up to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to calmly speak to Prime Minister Hun Sen when they meet in Tokyo today and tomorrow at the Japan-Mekong Summit, Tej said.
"Bilateral ties should not be damaged by a single individual," he added.
However, Chavanont Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, said there were no plans for Abhisit to meet Hun Sen during the Tokyo summit.
"We will not call him but if he calls us, we might talk," he said at a press conference. "So far we have nothing to say to him."
Reflecting Bangkok's "enough is enough" attitude, Chavanont said Thailand would not tolerate Hun Sen's behaviour any longer because the government had already explained Thaksin's legal status to him several times.
"Thaksin's appointment is seen as an interference in Thailand's domestic affairs and a failure to respect the Thai judicial system," he said.
Downgrading bilateral relations is always an option for Thailand when it comes to responding to Cambodia. The Kingdom had previously downgraded ties in 2003 after an arson attack at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh - ironically while Thaksin was prime minister. But that was a brief estrangement because Thaksin was always on good terms with Hun Sen.
However, this Democrat-ruled government is different. It is not clear how long it will take to resume normal relations, because the Thai side is going to review all bilateral agreements and cooperation projects. Thailand has a number of ongoing projects with Cambodia in many areas, including transportation and energy.
Every time relations between the two nations get sour, Thai interests in Cambodia, notably in trade and investment, always get affected. The 2003 riots and the anti-Thai sentiment caused a lot of damage to Thai businesses in the country, and investors were only able to resume their businesses a few years ago.
Thailand currently has scores of investment projects worth billions of baht, but bilateral trade in the first half of this year showed a 25-per-cent contraction from the same period last year, though trade experts believed it would recover in the second half. Border trade was also expected to show signs of recovery if relations had not been jeopardised.
Besides, the situation could become worse if a party in Cambodia stoked anti-Thai sentiment, as happened in 2003.
The only way to maintain bilateral interests would be to mend relations as soon as possible. However, with Thaksin and Hun Sen now the best of friends, observers say things can go either way - better or worse.
By Anuchit Nguyen and Daniel Ten Kate
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand will reconsider agreements with Cambodia after the government in Phnom Penh named fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser, threatening to fan tensions that recently led to gun battles along their border.
Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia yesterday and will now review all accords signed with the country, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters in Bangkok. Thaksin’s appointment is an “interference in Thailand’s domestic affairs and failure to respect Thailand’s judicial system,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The move “hurts the feelings of most Thais,” Abhisit said.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked a diplomatic row last month by comparing Thaksin to Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s detained opposition leader. Hun Sen said he wouldn’t extradite Thaksin, ousted from office in Thailand in a 2006 coup and living in exile after fleeing a two-year prison sentence for abuse of power.
Thaksin has engineered anti-government protests from abroad since he left the country, attacking Abhisit and preparing his allies for a fresh election. President Barack Obama, on his first trip to Asia, is scheduled to co-chair with Abhisit a Nov. 15 summit of Southeast Asian leaders that will include Hun Sen.
A Twitter message posted on Thaksin’s Web site yesterday said the decision to recall the ambassador was “childish” and an “overreaction.” Thaksin lives in Dubai and travels frequently. His spokesman, Phongthep Thepkanjana, didn’t answer calls to his mobile phone.
Border Temple
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since July 2008, when a Thai court ordered a pro-Thaksin government to withdraw support for Cambodia’s bid to list the Preah Vihear temple as a United Nations World Heritage site. The temple is near an area of land the two countries dispute. Gun battles near the site since then have killed at least six soldiers.
If Thaksin “were actually there and coordinating his people from a base, that would cause problems,” said Robert Broadfoot, managing director of Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. “I don’t think either Hun Sen or the Thais will allow this to spin out of control. Cambodia is just taking the opportunity to get back at what was really a Thai mistake” in objecting to the temple listing.
Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith didn’t answer calls to his cell phone.
Thailand last recalled its ambassador in 2003, when Cambodians burned down the embassy and attacked Thai businesses. Thaksin was Thailand’s prime minister at the time.
Energy Reserves
Thai and Cambodian officials had set up committees to work on demarcating their 803-kilometer (499-mile) land and sea border. The two countries have yet to reconcile 10,422 square miles of disputed waters in the Gulf of Thailand that may contain oil and gas reserves.
Thaksin or his allies have won Thailand’s past four elections since 2001. Since the coup, courts have disbanded two parties linked to him, including the winner of the 2007 election last year that allowed Abhisit to form a coalition. The Thaksin- linked Puea Thai party remains the largest in Parliament.
Thaksin, a billionaire-turned-politician, has claimed the judicial system is biased against him. His opponents say he’s corrupt and wants to upend Thailand’s monarchy.
To contact the reporters on this story: Anuchit Nguyen in Bangkok at anguyen@bloomberg.net; Daniel Ten Kate in Bangkok
Nov. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Thailand will reconsider agreements with Cambodia after the government in Phnom Penh named fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser, threatening to fan tensions that recently led to gun battles along their border.
Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia yesterday and will now review all accords signed with the country, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters in Bangkok. Thaksin’s appointment is an “interference in Thailand’s domestic affairs and failure to respect Thailand’s judicial system,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The move “hurts the feelings of most Thais,” Abhisit said.
Cambodian leader Hun Sen sparked a diplomatic row last month by comparing Thaksin to Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s detained opposition leader. Hun Sen said he wouldn’t extradite Thaksin, ousted from office in Thailand in a 2006 coup and living in exile after fleeing a two-year prison sentence for abuse of power.
Thaksin has engineered anti-government protests from abroad since he left the country, attacking Abhisit and preparing his allies for a fresh election. President Barack Obama, on his first trip to Asia, is scheduled to co-chair with Abhisit a Nov. 15 summit of Southeast Asian leaders that will include Hun Sen.
A Twitter message posted on Thaksin’s Web site yesterday said the decision to recall the ambassador was “childish” and an “overreaction.” Thaksin lives in Dubai and travels frequently. His spokesman, Phongthep Thepkanjana, didn’t answer calls to his mobile phone.
Border Temple
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since July 2008, when a Thai court ordered a pro-Thaksin government to withdraw support for Cambodia’s bid to list the Preah Vihear temple as a United Nations World Heritage site. The temple is near an area of land the two countries dispute. Gun battles near the site since then have killed at least six soldiers.
If Thaksin “were actually there and coordinating his people from a base, that would cause problems,” said Robert Broadfoot, managing director of Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. “I don’t think either Hun Sen or the Thais will allow this to spin out of control. Cambodia is just taking the opportunity to get back at what was really a Thai mistake” in objecting to the temple listing.
Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith didn’t answer calls to his cell phone.
Thailand last recalled its ambassador in 2003, when Cambodians burned down the embassy and attacked Thai businesses. Thaksin was Thailand’s prime minister at the time.
Energy Reserves
Thai and Cambodian officials had set up committees to work on demarcating their 803-kilometer (499-mile) land and sea border. The two countries have yet to reconcile 10,422 square miles of disputed waters in the Gulf of Thailand that may contain oil and gas reserves.
Thaksin or his allies have won Thailand’s past four elections since 2001. Since the coup, courts have disbanded two parties linked to him, including the winner of the 2007 election last year that allowed Abhisit to form a coalition. The Thaksin- linked Puea Thai party remains the largest in Parliament.
Thaksin, a billionaire-turned-politician, has claimed the judicial system is biased against him. His opponents say he’s corrupt and wants to upend Thailand’s monarchy.
To contact the reporters on this story: Anuchit Nguyen in Bangkok at anguyen@bloomberg.net; Daniel Ten Kate in Bangkok
Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh yesterday to protest against the appointment of convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government.
At the same time, the government said it wanted to review all bilateral agreements and commitments signed between Thailand and Cambodia by both current and previous administrations.
Ambassador to Cambodia Prasas Prasavinitchai arrived in Bangkok at 9pm.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thaksin's appointment could be considered as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system and disregarding the feelings of Thai people. He added that the Foreign Ministry's actions were aimed at making Cambodia realise the damage it had done.
"We have to implement diplomatic procedures to air our feelings. I have already given Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya the job of making the procedure public," Abhisit said.
The premier insisted that the moves would not affect relations between the Thai and Cambodian public, who will continue to be good neighbours.
"We are conducting the protest at a governmental level," he said.
In an order signed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Thaksin was appointed as economic adviser to Hun Sen and his government on Wednesday.
"Thaksin has already been appointed by royal decree ... as personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the adviser to the Cambodian government in charge of economy," said a statement from the Cambodian government that was read on television yesterday. "Allowing Thaksin to stay in Cambodia is virtuous behaviour ... good friends need to help each other in difficult circumstances."
The statement went on to call charges against Thaksin as being "politically motivated" and vowed not to extradite him if he "decides to stay in Cambodia or travels in and out in order to fulfil his duties".
Upon his arrival in Thailand last month to attend the Asean summit, Hun Sen announced that he had offered Thaksin, whom he regards as a close friend, a residence and a job.
The Foreign Ministry's decision to recall the Thai ambassador is the strongest protest in years and the government has said all ongoing cooperation between the two nations would be put on hold for the time being.
The foreign minister's secretary, Chavanont Intarakomalsut, agreed with Abhisit and reiterated that giving Thaksin a job could be seen as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system.
"Thaksin's appointment is an insult to the Thai justice system," he said at a press conference.
Giving Thaksin the job clearly shows that the Cambodian premier cannot distinguish between personal interests and the mutual interests of the two countries, Chavanont said.
Before the decision to recall the envoy was made, Abhisit called a meeting with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and senior army officers, including Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, early yesterday before meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the ministers had unanimously agreed to go ahead with the measures.
"Cambodia has sent us a clear signal and this is not the first time. It is obvious that they cannot separate international ties from personal friendships, so we have no other choice," he said.
He added that Kasit would discuss the issue with high-ranking officials at Foreign Ministry and see what level the Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic ties should be downgraded to.
When asked if Abhisit would discuss the issue with Hun Sen, because both are due to attend a mini-summit in Tokyo of leaders from countries in the Mekong Basin on Friday and Saturday, Panitan said: "We are willing, if he [Hun Sen] wants to talk."
In related news, reports say that the Cambodian army is on alert at the border area near the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"The situation is calm, but we're on alert. The prime minister has already ordered us to protect our territory," deputy commander-in-chief of the Cambodian armed forces Chea Dar said yesterday.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter even one-centimetre into our territory, they will be destroyed," he added.
Meanwhile, Thaksin sent out a Twitter message yesterday accusing the Thai government of behaving like a child and overreacting by recalling the Thai envoy from Phnom Penh.
At the same time, the government said it wanted to review all bilateral agreements and commitments signed between Thailand and Cambodia by both current and previous administrations.
Ambassador to Cambodia Prasas Prasavinitchai arrived in Bangkok at 9pm.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thaksin's appointment could be considered as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system and disregarding the feelings of Thai people. He added that the Foreign Ministry's actions were aimed at making Cambodia realise the damage it had done.
"We have to implement diplomatic procedures to air our feelings. I have already given Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya the job of making the procedure public," Abhisit said.
The premier insisted that the moves would not affect relations between the Thai and Cambodian public, who will continue to be good neighbours.
"We are conducting the protest at a governmental level," he said.
In an order signed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Thaksin was appointed as economic adviser to Hun Sen and his government on Wednesday.
"Thaksin has already been appointed by royal decree ... as personal adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the adviser to the Cambodian government in charge of economy," said a statement from the Cambodian government that was read on television yesterday. "Allowing Thaksin to stay in Cambodia is virtuous behaviour ... good friends need to help each other in difficult circumstances."
The statement went on to call charges against Thaksin as being "politically motivated" and vowed not to extradite him if he "decides to stay in Cambodia or travels in and out in order to fulfil his duties".
Upon his arrival in Thailand last month to attend the Asean summit, Hun Sen announced that he had offered Thaksin, whom he regards as a close friend, a residence and a job.
The Foreign Ministry's decision to recall the Thai ambassador is the strongest protest in years and the government has said all ongoing cooperation between the two nations would be put on hold for the time being.
The foreign minister's secretary, Chavanont Intarakomalsut, agreed with Abhisit and reiterated that giving Thaksin a job could be seen as Cambodia intervening in the Thai justice system.
"Thaksin's appointment is an insult to the Thai justice system," he said at a press conference.
Giving Thaksin the job clearly shows that the Cambodian premier cannot distinguish between personal interests and the mutual interests of the two countries, Chavanont said.
Before the decision to recall the envoy was made, Abhisit called a meeting with Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and senior army officers, including Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, early yesterday before meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the ministers had unanimously agreed to go ahead with the measures.
"Cambodia has sent us a clear signal and this is not the first time. It is obvious that they cannot separate international ties from personal friendships, so we have no other choice," he said.
He added that Kasit would discuss the issue with high-ranking officials at Foreign Ministry and see what level the Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic ties should be downgraded to.
When asked if Abhisit would discuss the issue with Hun Sen, because both are due to attend a mini-summit in Tokyo of leaders from countries in the Mekong Basin on Friday and Saturday, Panitan said: "We are willing, if he [Hun Sen] wants to talk."
In related news, reports say that the Cambodian army is on alert at the border area near the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"The situation is calm, but we're on alert. The prime minister has already ordered us to protect our territory," deputy commander-in-chief of the Cambodian armed forces Chea Dar said yesterday.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter even one-centimetre into our territory, they will be destroyed," he added.
Meanwhile, Thaksin sent out a Twitter message yesterday accusing the Thai government of behaving like a child and overreacting by recalling the Thai envoy from Phnom Penh.
![[Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+(Bkk+Post).jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7kUqesdsKYi5UehqI-3Dj32BEePhkylwseAk9sxuyI9ZiS8RGpeMMIL8ERY0s6W6_c5aiF6ZKhWRNfUMH4LZEwtYMJyrA7ayW0EYCT_70hbNuGtQBKtSgBSplwrRK7GUHrA6tieDBd3-/s1600/Hun+Sen+-+Thaksin+(Bkk+Post).jpg)
Thaksin Shinawatra claimed it was "an honour" to be appointed Cambodia's economic adviser. As his motherland is staring at a major diplomatic row with a close neighbour and businessmen in both countries are bracing themselves for an unpredictable impact, there is a thin line between "honour" and "shame".
In his fight to clear his name, Thaksin has stopped at virtually nothing. And even after the Thai ambassador to Phnom Penh was recalled and Bangkok decided to cut assistance to Cambodia, he showed no signs of guilt, concern or remorse. Bangkok was being childish and overreacting, he tweeted.
Thaksin's blurring sense of patriotism is understandable. Having been ousted by a military coup, convicted for a crime he refuses to accept and seen his own political movement neutralised one after another, he can be forgiven for trying to embarrass his opponents who are holding the reins of power. But everything has its boundary - and Thaksin has crossed it.
Only he and Cambodian Premier Hun Sen know whether the controversial asylum offer and the economic-adviser appointment were out of the latter's own goodwill or the former Thai leader had a hand in it. But even if Thaksin had nothing to do with the Cambodian moves, the least he could have done is show he cared about his country.
A neighbourly row of this nature can easily encompass the fighting colours in Thai politics. It threatens the whole country, be it yellows or reds or neutral Thais. Disruption of trade, border blockades, troop redeployment and the subsequent mounting tension on the already-strained relations will not discriminate against anyone.
Thaksin could have said "No, but thank you" to the Cambodian offer, but he has chosen to inflame the situation by saying the Thai government was overreacting, like a child. This came from someone who should have known better, who witnessed first-hand as a Thai leader what misunderstandings between the countries could lead to and who was on the verge of sending commandos into Cambodia himself to rescue Thai diplomats and businessmen running for their lives from angry torch-wielding protesters.
The difference between now and then is the attack on the Thai Embassy may have been caused by an accident, but this time there are people who seemingly want it to happen. Thaksin stands out among them. Hun Sen cannot drag himself into the Thai fray without Thaksin showing the way. If Thaksin's opponents' hardline stand on the Preah Vihear conflict was what first strained bilateral relations, things took a major turn for the worse when Thaksin's representative, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, visited Phnom Penh and kick-started the asylum-offer episode.
What is Thaksin prepared to do now? On one side is a country he once called home, where he is both loved and loathed, but on the other side is a place that is offering him comfort. A truly grateful man would do anything but pit both countries against each other.
Thai ambassador leaving Cambodia (Photo: DAP)Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Nation
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thursday that Thailand needed to make diplomatic retaliation against Cambodia's interference of Thailand's internal affairs.
"The Foreign Ministry has to take action so that Cambodia will learn about the feelings of Thai people," Abhisit said.
"Since Cambodia mentioned our internal affairs, we had to retaliate in line with the diplomatic protocol."
He was speaking to reporters after the Foreign Ministry announce the recalling of its ambassador to Phnom Penh after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra his economic advisor.
Thai ambassador leaving Cambodia (Photo: DAP)"The Foreign Ministry has to take action so that Cambodia will learn about the feelings of Thai people," Abhisit said.
"Since Cambodia mentioned our internal affairs, we had to retaliate in line with the diplomatic protocol."
He was speaking to reporters after the Foreign Ministry announce the recalling of its ambassador to Phnom Penh after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra his economic advisor.
BANGKOK, Nov 5 (TNA) - Thailand's Ministry of Foreign affairs on Thursday recalled the Thai envoy to Phnom Penh, in its first step of retaliation to Cambodia after it has appointed convicted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as personal advisor to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen and advisor on economy to his government.The Thai foreign ministry reasoned that the Cambodian decision to appoint Mr Thaksin and its stated intention to deny Thailand's request to extradite the ex-Thai premier to face jail in Thailand means that the neighbouring country could not differentiate the bilateral relations of the two nations from personal ties, although the Thai government has repeatedly informed the Cambodian government that the two kingdoms' relationship must remain beyond personal ties.
The Thai foreign ministry said the decision made by the Cambodian government affects the feelings of the Thai people, as Mr Thaksin has been convicted of offenses and escaped jail, at the same time, he still has influence over domestic politics.
Mr Thaksin’s appointment as economic advisor of the Cambodian government and as personal advisor to Mr Hun Sen means that Cambodia is now intervening Thailand's domestic affairs and harming the Thai justice procedure, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai government cannot continue inattentive to the matter and must listen to the voice and sentiments of Thai people nationwide, said the foreign ministry, adding that the government must show its stance to let Cambodia know of the dissatisfaction of the Thai people.
The ministry said that Thailand has decided to review the Thai-Cambodian relationship and recall its ambassador to Phnom Penh, and review all commitments and cooperation between the two kingdoms.
The Thai ministry said that the Thai government has no choice, but must review bilateral cooperation although Thailand has always intended to work closely with Cambodia for the well-being of the Cambodian people and reduce gap between Cambodians and other ASEAN citizens.
The ministry said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been informed of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s stance, simultaneously affirming that the Thai reaction is based on appropriate diplomatic measures, but is not aimed at igniting any violence.
The Thai prime minister later reaffirmed that Thailand will use only diplomatic measures as retaliation against Cambodia.
"Cambodia's decision affects the feelings of Thai people," Mr Abhisit reiterated. "The Thai foreign ministry must show Thailand's stance to let the Cambodian government know the feeling of the Thai people."
Mr Abhisit said checkpoints on border between the two countries would remain open and people-to-people relations would not be affected.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia heightened when Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen announced while attending the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Hua Hin at the end of October that Mr Thaksin, whom he described as his close friend, could remain in Cambodia as his personal guest and could be his economic advisor.
Mr Hun Sen insisted that Cambodia will reserve its right to deny any request by Thailand to extradite ousted prime minister Thaksin if he stays there as Mr Thaksin case’s is only a political offense.
Mr Thaksin, ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, was later convicted and sentenced to a two-year jail term for malfeasance in the controversial Bangkok Ratchadapisek land purchase.
The ousted premier however jumped bail and fled the kingdom. He is reportedly living the United Arab Emirates, but his Thai passport was revoked and his visas to the United Kingdom and Germany were cancelled.
PHNOM PENH - A 68-year-old Canadian man has been jailed for a year for indecent acts with two Cambodian sisters aged 10 and 12, a judge said Thursday.
Daniel Lavigne, who has been in jail since his January arrest in the popular seaside resort of Sihanoukville, was also ordered to pay 500 dollars in fines after his conviction, judge Kim Eng told AFP.
"I sentenced him this morning to serve one year in jail for his indecent act against minor girls," the Sihanoukville court judge said.
Lavigne denied any wrongdoing and told police that he was the boyfriend of the girls' mother, Kim Eng added.
Dozens of foreigners have been jailed for child sex crimes or deported to face trial in their home countries since Cambodia launched an anti-paedophilia push in 2003 to try to shake off its reputation as a haven for sex predators.
Daniel Lavigne, who has been in jail since his January arrest in the popular seaside resort of Sihanoukville, was also ordered to pay 500 dollars in fines after his conviction, judge Kim Eng told AFP.
"I sentenced him this morning to serve one year in jail for his indecent act against minor girls," the Sihanoukville court judge said.
Lavigne denied any wrongdoing and told police that he was the boyfriend of the girls' mother, Kim Eng added.
Dozens of foreigners have been jailed for child sex crimes or deported to face trial in their home countries since Cambodia launched an anti-paedophilia push in 2003 to try to shake off its reputation as a haven for sex predators.
BANGKOK, Nov 5 (TNA) - The Thai army says it’s business as usual, that the situation remains normal on the Cambodian border, and that no special instructions have been received from the government after Thailand’s envoy to Cambodia was recalled in protest against the Cambodian decision to appoint convicted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser, according to Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Col Sansern said that Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda made no specific order, saying that he had not received any new instruction from the government.
He said the local commanders of both countries at border bases normally have close contact and that there is no need to confront each other, while the military attache in Cambodia was working normally.
He affirmed that that was no sign that the situation could lead to the use of force.
Second Army Area Commander Lt-Gen Weewalit Jornsamrit said that the situation along Thailand and Cambodia border was normal, and no reinforcement was noted by either country.
The recall of the Thai ambassador to Cambodia was the government's decision to use diplomatic measures to protest to the Cambodian government, he said, adding that he believed the political issue would have no impact on the border situation.
Relations between Thai and Cambodian military personnel remained good, he added.
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign affairs on Thursday recalled the Thai envoy to Phnom Penh, in its first step of retaliation to Cambodia after it appointed Mr Thaksin personal advisor to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen and advisor on economy to his government.
It would also review all existing bilateral agreements and cooperation projects made with Cambodia.
BANGKOK - Thailand and Cambodia recalled their respective ambassadors Thursday after Phnom Penh sparked a furious diplomatic row by naming fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as its economic adviser.
The tit-for-tat withdrawals plunged relations between the neighbouring countries to a new low after they fought a series of deadly clashes during the past year over disputed land around an ancient temple on their border.
The Cambodian government announced the appointment of Thaksin on state television late Wednesday, riling Bangkok as it attempts to bring home the billionaire to face justice three years after he was ousted in a coup.
"We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation measure to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Aid projects and bilateral agreements with Cambodia would be reviewed, but checkpoints on the tense border would remain open, Abhisit added.
Thai foreign ministry official Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told AFP that the appointment of Thaksin "is considered interfering in our internal politics because Thaksin is still actively involved in politics."
Cambodia hit back hours later, with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An saying that it was withdrawing its envoy from Bangkok as a "temporary measure" until Thailand sent its envoy back to Phnom Penh.
Sok An said the recalls would not affect trade or raise tensions along the border.
Twice-elected Thaksin remains a hugely influential figure in Thailand, which has been rocked by years of protests by his red-clad supporters and yellow-clad opponents, including rallies that shut down Bangkok's airports last year.
The one-time policeman is currently living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption. Bangkok has confiscated his passport, meaning that he travels on documents from other countries, and has issued a warrant for his arrest.
The current saga began in October when outspoken Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered refuge to Thaksin, and then followed it up at an Asian summit two weeks ago by offering him a job as his finance adviser.
Thaksin said in a Twitter posting that he thanked Hun Sen for the appointment but still wanted to work for Thailand's well-being.
"I thank His Excellency Hun Sen and I just received a copy which was signed by King Sihamoni. It's an honour. But it's not going to be fun like working to help Thai people out of poverty," Thaksin said.
Thailand has urged Cambodia to extradite Thaksin if he enters the neighbouring country, but Cambodia says it will not and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Relations between the two predominantly Buddhist nations have been strained since July 2008 by the ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an 11th century Cambodian temple after it was granted UN World Heritage status.
The Cambodian military said the situation was calm on the border but that Hun Sen had ordered forces to remain on "high alert" around the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter our territory even one centimetre they will be destroyed," said Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces.
The Thai and Cambodian prime ministers are both due to attend a mini summit of leaders from Mekong Basin countries in the Japanese capital Tokyo on Friday and Saturday.
The tit-for-tat withdrawals plunged relations between the neighbouring countries to a new low after they fought a series of deadly clashes during the past year over disputed land around an ancient temple on their border.
The Cambodian government announced the appointment of Thaksin on state television late Wednesday, riling Bangkok as it attempts to bring home the billionaire to face justice three years after he was ousted in a coup.
"We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation measure to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Aid projects and bilateral agreements with Cambodia would be reviewed, but checkpoints on the tense border would remain open, Abhisit added.
Thai foreign ministry official Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told AFP that the appointment of Thaksin "is considered interfering in our internal politics because Thaksin is still actively involved in politics."
Cambodia hit back hours later, with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An saying that it was withdrawing its envoy from Bangkok as a "temporary measure" until Thailand sent its envoy back to Phnom Penh.
Sok An said the recalls would not affect trade or raise tensions along the border.
Twice-elected Thaksin remains a hugely influential figure in Thailand, which has been rocked by years of protests by his red-clad supporters and yellow-clad opponents, including rallies that shut down Bangkok's airports last year.
The one-time policeman is currently living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption. Bangkok has confiscated his passport, meaning that he travels on documents from other countries, and has issued a warrant for his arrest.
The current saga began in October when outspoken Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered refuge to Thaksin, and then followed it up at an Asian summit two weeks ago by offering him a job as his finance adviser.
Thaksin said in a Twitter posting that he thanked Hun Sen for the appointment but still wanted to work for Thailand's well-being.
"I thank His Excellency Hun Sen and I just received a copy which was signed by King Sihamoni. It's an honour. But it's not going to be fun like working to help Thai people out of poverty," Thaksin said.
Thailand has urged Cambodia to extradite Thaksin if he enters the neighbouring country, but Cambodia says it will not and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Relations between the two predominantly Buddhist nations have been strained since July 2008 by the ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an 11th century Cambodian temple after it was granted UN World Heritage status.
The Cambodian military said the situation was calm on the border but that Hun Sen had ordered forces to remain on "high alert" around the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter our territory even one centimetre they will be destroyed," said Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces.
The Thai and Cambodian prime ministers are both due to attend a mini summit of leaders from Mekong Basin countries in the Japanese capital Tokyo on Friday and Saturday.
PHNOM PENH - A 68-year-old Canadian man has been jailed for a year for indecent acts with two Cambodian sisters aged 10 and 12, a judge said Thursday.
Daniel Lavigne, who has been in jail since his January arrest in the popular seaside resort of Sihanoukville, was also ordered to pay 500 dollars in fines after his conviction, judge Kim Eng told AFP.
"I sentenced him this morning to serve one year in jail for his indecent act against minor girls," the Sihanoukville court judge said.
Lavigne denied any wrongdoing and told police that he was the boyfriend of the girls' mother, Kim Eng added.
Dozens of foreigners have been jailed for child sex crimes or deported to face trial in their home countries since Cambodia launched an anti-paedophilia push in 2003 to try to shake off its reputation as a haven for sex predators.
Daniel Lavigne, who has been in jail since his January arrest in the popular seaside resort of Sihanoukville, was also ordered to pay 500 dollars in fines after his conviction, judge Kim Eng told AFP.
"I sentenced him this morning to serve one year in jail for his indecent act against minor girls," the Sihanoukville court judge said.
Lavigne denied any wrongdoing and told police that he was the boyfriend of the girls' mother, Kim Eng added.
Dozens of foreigners have been jailed for child sex crimes or deported to face trial in their home countries since Cambodia launched an anti-paedophilia push in 2003 to try to shake off its reputation as a haven for sex predators.
BANGKOK, Nov 5 (TNA) - Thailand's Ministry of Foreign affairs on Thursday recalled the Thai envoy to Phnom Penh, in its first step of retaliation to Cambodia after it has appointed convicted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as personal advisor to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen and advisor on economy to his government.The Thai foreign ministry reasoned that the Cambodian decision to appoint Mr Thaksin and its stated intention to deny Thailand's request to extradite the ex-Thai premier to face jail in Thailand means that the neighbouring country could not differentiate the bilateral relations of the two nations from personal ties, although the Thai government has repeatedly informed the Cambodian government that the two kingdoms' relationship must remain beyond personal ties.
The Thai foreign ministry said the decision made by the Cambodian government affects the feelings of the Thai people, as Mr Thaksin has been convicted of offenses and escaped jail, at the same time, he still has influence over domestic politics.
Mr Thaksin’s appointment as economic advisor of the Cambodian government and as personal advisor to Mr Hun Sen means that Cambodia is now intervening Thailand's domestic affairs and harming the Thai justice procedure, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Thai government cannot continue inattentive to the matter and must listen to the voice and sentiments of Thai people nationwide, said the foreign ministry, adding that the government must show its stance to let Cambodia know of the dissatisfaction of the Thai people.
The ministry said that Thailand has decided to review the Thai-Cambodian relationship and recall its ambassador to Phnom Penh, and review all commitments and cooperation between the two kingdoms.
The Thai ministry said that the Thai government has no choice, but must review bilateral cooperation although Thailand has always intended to work closely with Cambodia for the well-being of the Cambodian people and reduce gap between Cambodians and other ASEAN citizens.
The ministry said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been informed of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s stance, simultaneously affirming that the Thai reaction is based on appropriate diplomatic measures, but is not aimed at igniting any violence.
The Thai prime minister later reaffirmed that Thailand will use only diplomatic measures as retaliation against Cambodia.
"Cambodia's decision affects the feelings of Thai people," Mr Abhisit reiterated. "The Thai foreign ministry must show Thailand's stance to let the Cambodian government know the feeling of the Thai people."
Mr Abhisit said checkpoints on border between the two countries would remain open and people-to-people relations would not be affected.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia heightened when Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen announced while attending the 15th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Hua Hin at the end of October that Mr Thaksin, whom he described as his close friend, could remain in Cambodia as his personal guest and could be his economic advisor.
Mr Hun Sen insisted that Cambodia will reserve its right to deny any request by Thailand to extradite ousted prime minister Thaksin if he stays there as Mr Thaksin case’s is only a political offense.
Mr Thaksin, ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, was later convicted and sentenced to a two-year jail term for malfeasance in the controversial Bangkok Ratchadapisek land purchase.
The ousted premier however jumped bail and fled the kingdom. He is reportedly living the United Arab Emirates, but his Thai passport was revoked and his visas to the United Kingdom and Germany were cancelled.
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government on Thursday evening announced to temporarily call back its Ambassador to Thailand, a move came shortly after Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.
The decision was announced at 8:30 pm local time by Sok An, minister of council of ministers, at a hastily arranged press conference.
"The move we took is a response to Thai's recall of its Ambassador to Cambodia," Sok An said, adding that "That we appointed Thaksin as our government's adviser is Cambodia's internal affairs and conforms to international practice."
Earlier Thursday, the Thai government decided to recall its Ambassador to Cambodia to protest against the appointment of the ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatre as adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government.
The Cambodian government announced on Wednesday that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was officially appointed as adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government of Cambodia by King Norodom Sihamoni. Moreover, the Cambodian government will not allow to extradite the ex-Thai premier.
Also, the Thai government said that it is ready to demand of revising bilateral agreements, which have been agreed by the two countries, Thai News Agency reported.
The Thai government's movement is based on diplomatic principle, which does not intend to any violence to occur between the two neighboring countries, the report said.
Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been difficult since July 2008 amid an ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an11th century temple which has claimed several lives. The withdrawal of ambassadors was the most severe diplomatic actions thus far in ongoing tensions between the two countries which will only result in a further worsening of the relations between them.
The decision was announced at 8:30 pm local time by Sok An, minister of council of ministers, at a hastily arranged press conference.
"The move we took is a response to Thai's recall of its Ambassador to Cambodia," Sok An said, adding that "That we appointed Thaksin as our government's adviser is Cambodia's internal affairs and conforms to international practice."
Earlier Thursday, the Thai government decided to recall its Ambassador to Cambodia to protest against the appointment of the ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatre as adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government.
The Cambodian government announced on Wednesday that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was officially appointed as adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government of Cambodia by King Norodom Sihamoni. Moreover, the Cambodian government will not allow to extradite the ex-Thai premier.
Also, the Thai government said that it is ready to demand of revising bilateral agreements, which have been agreed by the two countries, Thai News Agency reported.
The Thai government's movement is based on diplomatic principle, which does not intend to any violence to occur between the two neighboring countries, the report said.
Ties between Cambodia and Thailand have been difficult since July 2008 amid an ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an11th century temple which has claimed several lives. The withdrawal of ambassadors was the most severe diplomatic actions thus far in ongoing tensions between the two countries which will only result in a further worsening of the relations between them.
BANGKOK - Thailand and Cambodia recalled their respective ambassadors Thursday after Phnom Penh sparked a furious diplomatic row by naming fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as its economic adviser.
The tit-for-tat withdrawals plunged relations between the neighbouring countries to a new low after they fought a series of deadly clashes during the past year over disputed land around an ancient temple on their border.
The Cambodian government announced the appointment of Thaksin on state television late Wednesday, riling Bangkok as it attempts to bring home the billionaire to face justice three years after he was ousted in a coup.
"We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation measure to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Aid projects and bilateral agreements with Cambodia would be reviewed, but checkpoints on the tense border would remain open, Abhisit added.
Thai foreign ministry official Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told AFP that the appointment of Thaksin "is considered interfering in our internal politics because Thaksin is still actively involved in politics."
Cambodia hit back hours later, with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An saying that it was withdrawing its envoy from Bangkok as a "temporary measure" until Thailand sent its envoy back to Phnom Penh.
Sok An said the recalls would not affect trade or raise tensions along the border.
Twice-elected Thaksin remains a hugely influential figure in Thailand, which has been rocked by years of protests by his red-clad supporters and yellow-clad opponents, including rallies that shut down Bangkok's airports last year.
The one-time policeman is currently living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption. Bangkok has confiscated his passport, meaning that he travels on documents from other countries, and has issued a warrant for his arrest.
The current saga began in October when outspoken Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered refuge to Thaksin, and then followed it up at an Asian summit two weeks ago by offering him a job as his finance adviser.
Thaksin said in a Twitter posting that he thanked Hun Sen for the appointment but still wanted to work for Thailand's well-being.
"I thank His Excellency Hun Sen and I just received a copy which was signed by King Sihamoni. It's an honour. But it's not going to be fun like working to help Thai people out of poverty," Thaksin said.
Thailand has urged Cambodia to extradite Thaksin if he enters the neighbouring country, but Cambodia says it will not and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Relations between the two predominantly Buddhist nations have been strained since July 2008 by the ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an 11th century Cambodian temple after it was granted UN World Heritage status.
The Cambodian military said the situation was calm on the border but that Hun Sen had ordered forces to remain on "high alert" around the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter our territory even one centimetre they will be destroyed," said Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces.
The Thai and Cambodian prime ministers are both due to attend a mini summit of leaders from Mekong Basin countries in the Japanese capital Tokyo on Friday and Saturday.
The tit-for-tat withdrawals plunged relations between the neighbouring countries to a new low after they fought a series of deadly clashes during the past year over disputed land around an ancient temple on their border.
The Cambodian government announced the appointment of Thaksin on state television late Wednesday, riling Bangkok as it attempts to bring home the billionaire to face justice three years after he was ousted in a coup.
"We have recalled the ambassador as the first diplomatic retaliation measure to let the Cambodian government know the dissatisfaction of the Thai people," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.
Aid projects and bilateral agreements with Cambodia would be reviewed, but checkpoints on the tense border would remain open, Abhisit added.
Thai foreign ministry official Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told AFP that the appointment of Thaksin "is considered interfering in our internal politics because Thaksin is still actively involved in politics."
Cambodia hit back hours later, with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An saying that it was withdrawing its envoy from Bangkok as a "temporary measure" until Thailand sent its envoy back to Phnom Penh.
Sok An said the recalls would not affect trade or raise tensions along the border.
Twice-elected Thaksin remains a hugely influential figure in Thailand, which has been rocked by years of protests by his red-clad supporters and yellow-clad opponents, including rallies that shut down Bangkok's airports last year.
The one-time policeman is currently living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption. Bangkok has confiscated his passport, meaning that he travels on documents from other countries, and has issued a warrant for his arrest.
The current saga began in October when outspoken Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered refuge to Thaksin, and then followed it up at an Asian summit two weeks ago by offering him a job as his finance adviser.
Thaksin said in a Twitter posting that he thanked Hun Sen for the appointment but still wanted to work for Thailand's well-being.
"I thank His Excellency Hun Sen and I just received a copy which was signed by King Sihamoni. It's an honour. But it's not going to be fun like working to help Thai people out of poverty," Thaksin said.
Thailand has urged Cambodia to extradite Thaksin if he enters the neighbouring country, but Cambodia says it will not and that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Relations between the two predominantly Buddhist nations have been strained since July 2008 by the ongoing border conflict over land surrounding an 11th century Cambodian temple after it was granted UN World Heritage status.
The Cambodian military said the situation was calm on the border but that Hun Sen had ordered forces to remain on "high alert" around the disputed Preah Vihear temple, where the two countries last fought in April.
"Cambodia will not invade Thai territory, but if Thai troops enter our territory even one centimetre they will be destroyed," said Chea Dara, deputy commander-in-chief of Cambodia's armed forces.
The Thai and Cambodian prime ministers are both due to attend a mini summit of leaders from Mekong Basin countries in the Japanese capital Tokyo on Friday and Saturday.
BANGKOK, Nov 5 (TNA) - The Thai army says it’s business as usual, that the situation remains normal on the Cambodian border, and that no special instructions have been received from the government after Thailand’s envoy to Cambodia was recalled in protest against the Cambodian decision to appoint convicted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser, according to Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
Col Sansern said that Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda made no specific order, saying that he had not received any new instruction from the government.
He said the local commanders of both countries at border bases normally have close contact and that there is no need to confront each other, while the military attache in Cambodia was working normally.
He affirmed that that was no sign that the situation could lead to the use of force.
Second Army Area Commander Lt-Gen Weewalit Jornsamrit said that the situation along Thailand and Cambodia border was normal, and no reinforcement was noted by either country.
The recall of the Thai ambassador to Cambodia was the government's decision to use diplomatic measures to protest to the Cambodian government, he said, adding that he believed the political issue would have no impact on the border situation.
Relations between Thai and Cambodian military personnel remained good, he added.
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign affairs on Thursday recalled the Thai envoy to Phnom Penh, in its first step of retaliation to Cambodia after it appointed Mr Thaksin personal advisor to Cambodian Premier Hun Sen and advisor on economy to his government.