Rift with Cambodia goes beyond Thaksin [-Cambodia has nobody knowledgeable enough in int'l trade?]
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Kanharith: Media links needed
Thanida Tansubhapol
Bangkok Post
The relationship between Thailand and Cambodia has improved since ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned as economic adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the two governments returned their respective ambassadors. THANIDA TANSUBHAPOL talks to Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, the first minister from the country to visit Thailand since ties have improved, to discuss how the countries' relations can move forward.
What is the main factor that has caused misunderstanding between the two countries?
It's not just a businessman. When you talk about the misunderstanding, we need to talk about the root of the problem. Many people perceive the problem to be the appointment of Thaksin as an economic adviser, but the real problem has to do with the border and Preah Vihear.
When we appointed Thaksin, we did not do it to tease the Thai government.Cambodia is very new to international trade and Thaksin is a businessman who understands how to conduct international business. That's why we appointed him as a government adviser. But now he has many engagements and he decided to resign. For Cambodia, the source of the problem is the border, not Thaksin.
Are you confident the improved relationship will now be sustained?
We need a long-term solution to border issues. But we should start with the personal relationships between the prime ministers, information ministers and the journalist associations. We can leave border demarcation to specialists in that job and we have a joint border commission. Do not rub salt into the wounds. Prime Minister Hun Sen agrees with this.
