Suthep: Thaksin using Cambodia

Published: 6/11/2009 at 12:24 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

The latest conflict between Thailand and Cambodia reflects an attempt by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to use Cambodia as a base for a political offensive in a bid to return to power, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Friday.

Mr Suthep said he believed Thaksin was following a carefully though out plan, but the Thai government would not fall into his trap.

Thaksin to think more about the country, instead of trying to use it as tool in a fight for political power.

"All this is happening because Thaksin is using Cambodia as his base for political operations. As he is a former prime minister he should know what is right or wrong, and should not hurt Thailand the way he is doing," Mr Suthep said.

The deputy prime minister, who is in charge of security affairs, said whether the situation would escalate to a point that the Thai-Cambodian border has to be closed depended on Cambodia.

If Cambodia adopted an aggressive posture or took strong retaliation, then he would have to consult security agencies and re-assess the situation.

Mr Suthep said he did not want any more fighting along the border. He wanted peaceful co-existence.

"It would not be fun to get into another fight, because there would be casualties. War is a thing we must try to avoid," he said.

Mr Suthep predicted that the relations between Thailand and Cambodia would deteriorate if Cambodia resorted to taking a tough and aggressive stance.

He had not talked directly with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the telephone, but had asked the Cambodian ambassador to convey his message to the Cambodian leader.

Mr Suthep said his message was that Mr Hun Sen should understand the necessity for Thailand to take diplomatic retaliation, and that his actions had hurt the feelings of the Thai people.

The deputy prime minister said he would try to minimise the impact on Thai investors in Cambodia.

A joint committee of officials from the Office of the Attorney-General, Royal Thai Police Office and Foreign Ministry would be set up as soon as possible to expedite Thaksoin's extradition, he said.

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Obviously

Discussion 7 : 07/11/2009 at 02:45 PM7
if Thaksin cared about Thai people, he would just step down gracefully from politics and live his life far from Thailand.
outside

Discussion 6 : 06/11/2009 at 02:10 PM6
Unfortunalely, Even though they do have power back, Thai people do not know , how to use it :( money easy
TAN

Discussion 5 : 06/11/2009 at 02:07 PM5
Suthep should accept the real fact of why this conflict! everyone knows Cambodia would still survive despite no diplomat or commercial connection with Thailand....why Cambodia have to choose...the big issued is Thailand in crisis not Cambodia...Cambodian hate Thai products anyway and they would be happy to disconnect from Thailand......
LEMON

Discussion 4 : 06/11/2009 at 01:54 PM4
"Mr Suthep predicted that the relations between Thailand and Cambodia would deteriorate if Cambodia resorted to taking a tough and aggressive stance."

Dear Mr, Suthep: the relations between the two countries had become worst since Abhisit gov't had no intentions to solve the border conflict..........it was just the calm before the big storm comes.

Cambodia has been waiting for one year patiently for Abhisit gov't to solve the conflict peacefully but when Hun Sen reacts, seem like Abhisit could not wait patiently!!!!!!!!!!!!!
50/50

Discussion 3 : 06/11/2009 at 01:21 PM3
"his actions had hurt the feelings of the Thai people"

I'm Thai and my feelings are not hurt.
My feelings are the opposite, I'm smiling and go on with my life.

They should say ""his actions had hurt the feelings of SOME Thai people"

and we all know who.
Honest

Discussion 2 : 06/11/2009 at 12:53 PM2
Why does the country's No. 2 have to even mention war?

Please stop this senseless posturing and sensational remarks. Totally uncalled for.

The lesser said, the better.
tai

Discussion 1 : 06/11/2009 at 12:41 PM1
Seem like DP afraid of loosing power! If DP Suthep and PM adhasive think about Thailand and care of Thai people happiness and unity they should call for election! Let the Thai people voice their opinion, give the power back the people!

Obviously

Discussion 7 : 07/11/2009 at 02:45 PM7

if Thaksin cared about Thai people, he would just step down gracefully from politics and live his life far from Thailand.

outside

Discussion 6 : 06/11/2009 at 02:10 PM6

Unfortunalely, Even though they do have power back, Thai people do not know , how to use it :( money easy

TAN

Discussion 5 : 06/11/2009 at 02:07 PM5

Suthep should accept the real fact of why this conflict! everyone knows Cambodia would still survive despite no diplomat or commercial connection with Thailand....why Cambodia have to choose...the big issued is Thailand in crisis not Cambodia...Cambodian hate Thai products anyway and they would be happy to disconnect from Thailand......

LEMON

Discussion 4 : 06/11/2009 at 01:54 PM4

"Mr Suthep predicted that the relations between Thailand and Cambodia would deteriorate if Cambodia resorted to taking a tough and aggressive stance."

Dear Mr, Suthep: the relations between the two countries had become worst since Abhisit gov't had no intentions to solve the border conflict..........it was just the calm before the big storm comes.

Cambodia has been waiting for one year patiently for Abhisit gov't to solve the conflict peacefully but when Hun Sen reacts, seem like Abhisit could not wait patiently!!!!!!!!!!!!!

50/50

Discussion 3 : 06/11/2009 at 01:21 PM3

"his actions had hurt the feelings of the Thai people"

I'm Thai and my feelings are not hurt.
My feelings are the opposite, I'm smiling and go on with my life.

They should say ""his actions had hurt the feelings of SOME Thai people"

and we all know who.

Honest

Discussion 2 : 06/11/2009 at 12:53 PM2

Why does the country's No. 2 have to even mention war?

Please stop this senseless posturing and sensational remarks. Totally uncalled for.

The lesser said, the better.

tai

Discussion 1 : 06/11/2009 at 12:41 PM1

Seem like DP afraid of loosing power! If DP Suthep and PM adhasive think about Thailand and care of Thai people happiness and unity they should call for election! Let the Thai people voice their opinion, give the power back the people!

Suthep: Thaksin using Cambodia