Thai FM Calls For 'Politics Of Compromise' On Border Issues

LOMBOK (INDONESIA), Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya urged all parties concerned on Monday to pursue the "politics of compromise" policy when handling or moving on unsettled Thai-Cambodian border issues, according to Thai News Agency.

Kasit, who was visiting Indonesia's Lombok Island to attend an informal meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, said that he also called on Phnom Penh to pursue the policy during his talks earlier in the day with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong on the sidelines of the regional gathering.

The Thai foreign minister revealed that he discussed the detention of seven Thai nationals by Phnom Penh as well, urging the Cambodian government to consider behaviours and movements of some activist groups in Thailand with rational understanding.

The Thai foreign minister, on the other hand, called on the Thai activists to give priority to national interest, rather than sticking on a non-compromising stance based on one-sided ideals of their respective groups--which could result in a confrontation between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia.

Kasit affirmed that the present Thai government has no hidden agenda, but being open in forging sound relationship and a successful regional integration, not animosity, with neighbouring nations.

Kasit is returning to Bangkok after the end of the regional meeting in time for the Thai Cabinet's weekly meeting Tuesday.