Hun Sen's stance on Thaksin was positive: [Thai] PM

(The Nation)- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's surprise message he would not allow former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to use the neighbouring country as a base to attack the Thai government, was a positive sign for normalisation of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen is a leader who knows very well about the interests of people and interests of the country to maintain good relations with neighbouring countries," Abhisit told reporters.

Neighbours should seek only good relations to ensure trade, and investment benefits, with no intervention in the internal affairs of others, he said.

Hun Sen made a surprise move over bilateral ties with Thailand, telling Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsubhan - who made a courtesy call on him on Sunday- that he would not allow Thaksin to enter Cambodia during the red shirt protest in Thailand.

Prime Minister Abhisit said he was briefed by Suthep on the message and interpreted it as a good sign to pave the way to mend bilateral ties.

"I won't analyse why he changed his stance, except to take it into account as a good sign for normalisation of relations," Abhisit said.

Relations with Phnom Penh soured when Hun Sen appointed Thaksin as an economic adviser in October and rejected a Thai request to extradite Thaksin when he was in Phnom Penh in November last year.

The appointment worsened the situation as both countries' ties were already uneasy following the border conflict near Preah Vihear temple.

Thailand recalled its ambassador and Cambodia followed suit. Phnom Penh also rejected Thai aid to renovate the road from Poipet to Siem Reap.

Asked if Hun Sen's latest message could begin a move for ambassadors on both sides to resume their duties soon, Abhisit simply said the Foreign Ministry would work on it, step by step.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said he had the same message from Suthep and would work on the new signs later, finding out how to restore relations.

Thaksin's legal adviser Noppadon Pattama said the relationship between Hun Sen and Thaksin remained good and Abhisit might twist the Cambodian leader's words to discredit Thaksin.

Thaksin was able to visit Cambodia as usual and Hun Sen had told the fugitive ex-PM before joining the mekong summit that their relationship was still a good one.

"I think Prime Minister Hun Sen might have [made that comment] for diplomatic purposes which Abhisit might not understand, but merely wants a statement to discredit former Prime Minister Thaksin," said Noppadon, who is also a former foreign minister.

"For Hun Sen, I think Thaksin is more valuable than Abhisit, whose time in power is running out", he said.