Abhisit defends actions

Mr Abhisit said billionaire Thaksin faced a 'conflict of interest', having previously been chief of negotiations in Thailand and now working 'for another side'. -- PHOTO: AFP

Nov 8, 2009

(Posted by CAAI news Media)

BANGKOK - THAILAND'S prime minister on Sunday defended his actions in an ongoing spat with Cambodia over Phnom Penh's job offer to a fugitive former Thai premier, saying he had to protect the country's dignity.

'All the government has done is for dignity of the country and Thai people,' said premier Abhisit Vejjajiva, adding that Thailand had acted 'calmly and carefully' to deal with the recent escalation of tensions.

Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday recalled their respective ambassadors after Cambodia appointed Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted as Thailand's prime minister in a coup in 2006, as an economic adviser.

Mr Abhisit said billionaire Thaksin faced a 'conflict of interest', having previously been chief of negotiations in Thailand and now working 'for another side'.

Thaksin is living abroad to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption, but Cambodia said the charges against him were 'politically motivated' and vowed not to extradite him if he travelled to the country.

'Criticising our justice system is unacceptable,' said Mr Abhisit, although he said he thought Cambodia was 'misinformed'. 'Everyone has to protect our justice system's dignity,' he added during his weekly television programme. -- AFP

Posted in: Khmer News