Senators: Govt must respond to Hun Sen

Published: 5/11/2009 at 10:51 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

The group of 40 senators on Thursday demanded the government respond to and denounce Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for appointing exiled fomer premier Thaksin Shinawatra his economic adviser.

Senator Paiboon Nititawan said the appointment is an affront to the dignity of Thailand.

He suggested the government sever relations with the Cambodian government.

''This is not just a personal matter for Hun Sen,'' he said. But if the govrnment truly believed it was, then it should end relations with the Cambodian prime minister.

If the government chose to ignore the matter, then it could be viewed as dereliction of duty, he said.

Mr Paiboon said it was a serious matter because Mr Hun Sen had said he would not allow Thaksin's extradition to Thailand because the charges against the fugitive politician were "politically motivated".

This meant that the Cambodian government was strongly denouncing the Thai justicial system, Mr Paiboon said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he would not atempt to interfere in what was an internal matter for Cambodia.

However, he woud ensure an application is made for Thaksin's extradition if he sets foot in Cambodia, even though Phnom Penh seemed determined not to cooperate.

It was not worth starting a conflict with a neighbouring country just because a Thai fugitive was hiding there. He did not see Cambodia as a threat, nor feel that Mr Hun Sen's decision was a challenge to the Thai government or the Thai justicial system.

He did wonder, though, how Mr Hun Sen would react if Thailand appointed Sam Rainsy an adviser to the government.

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Cook

Discussion 12 : 05/11/2009 at 01:54 PM12
That's a wonderful idea, Thailand should appoint Sam Rainsy as a minister. He would help fight corruption in Thailand as he did in Cambodia. Though the situation doesn't parallel Thaksin's at all yet as Sam Rainsy is not a fugitive since he was already pardoned at the strong request of international governments who believed his charges were simply the government trying to silence opposition. In Thaksin's case, nobody believes that the government was trying to silence opposition, the army was overthrowing the democratically elected government and needed charges to bring against it to justify the takeover.

Hopefully Thaksin can do some good for the Cambodian people before Thailand is ready for his return.
surely you jest

Discussion 11 : 05/11/2009 at 01:30 PM11
Yes, Dragon, why don't you look at who really started the fire. It may have something to do with Thaksin and his cronies making deals for natural resources and island casino locations in Cambodia in exchange for Thai sovereign land.
But then, you probably know that already.
Analyst

Discussion 10 : 05/11/2009 at 01:03 PM10
Now Hun Sen shows his true color. This guy, a Cambodian, is not a gentleman and not a good neighbor of Thailand. Hun Sen behaves like a layman, not like a Prime Minister.
Michael

Discussion 9 : 05/11/2009 at 12:58 PM9
To safe guard the sovereignty of Thailand, PM Apisith can easily downgrade trade investment with Cambodia to show the supremacy of Thailand and also to inform Hun Sen that PM Apisith is not a puppet leader. There is no need to severe tie with Cambodia but to choose the potent area that will hurt Cambodia.
Sceptic

Discussion 8 : 05/11/2009 at 12:46 PM8
How many of the 40 senators were from the elected part of the chamber and how many were appointed under the military imposed constitution?
Patrick

Discussion 7 : 05/11/2009 at 12:41 PM7
So be it. Let Hun Sen apponited the fugitive Thaksin as economic adviser. But the question is why go for Thaksin's extradition only if Thaksin set foot on Cambodia? There are a lot of Thai criminals and fugutives, big and sundry, living happily in Camobodia and the Thai Government didn't do a thing about it. What a joke..hahhaha
Ramet in Dallas

Discussion 6 : 05/11/2009 at 12:30 PM6
Why escalate when you cannot win. If you continue the fight both sides will get muddy.
Praseth T

Discussion 5 : 05/11/2009 at 12:27 PM5
"Thai justicial system" = military = dictatorship.
How many military coups does the Thai people ever seen in their life time. Countless. The prime ministers who were elected by the people were brought down by the military. Is that what you call it a justice system? In your dream. Try to say a better words next time so people won't get confused. Please pardon my comments.
dragon

Discussion 4 : 05/11/2009 at 11:59 AM4
why don't Thailand withdraw the illegal invasion/troops at the border to end this micky-mouse game. everyone knows why Hun Sen decides to play this because of Thailand the one that started first..if you look at the story you will see why this happened AND Who is the fire starter.???
Vihear

Discussion 3 : 05/11/2009 at 11:51 AM3
I'm really sure, nobody headache if Thai Government appoint Mr. Sam Rainsy as any type of Advisor.why?? because he live peaceful in Cambodia. also he would get more profit...Buddha bless you Mr. Rainsy if Thai government appoint you!!

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Senators: Govt must respond to Hun Sen