Abhisit brushes off Hun Sen comments

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has feigned indifference to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's clear animosity to his remaining in office.

Mr Abhisit said he was not aware of reports that Mr Hun Sen was not happy with him and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and that the Cambodian government would not ask for their assistance.

"I believe the problem has arisen because someone could be trying to instigate a situation," the prime minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, said the Thai-Cambodia situation had improved to some extent, but the government had to be strong and calm after being criticised by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The government had to be very cautious about its ties with neighbouring countries, Mr Suthep said.

"Don't get stuck on Prime Minister Hun Sen's words. The government has been doing well so far and the problem will not spread to include other Asean member states," he said.

He repeated that the frontier with Cambodia will not be closed because the government cares about the people living along the border.

The decision to allow Cambodia to borrow 1.4 billion baht to build roads along the border will also not be affected, Mr Suthep said.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the government is still willing to cooperate with the Cambodian government in various projects and prefers a peaceful approach to settling any differences.

"But it will take time to restore Thai-Cambodian relations," he said.

Asked about Prime Minister Hun Sen's comment that Cambodia would see no happiness as long as Mr Abhisit and Mr Kasit remain in office, Mr Panitan said the ties between Thailand and Cambodia were about ensuring the best interests of the two countries, not just the interests of one person.

"I believe people from the two countries have a good understanding of the situation," he said.

Bangkok Post