Army confirms healthy Thai-Cambodian military ties

BANGKOK, 11 November 2009 (NNT) – The army has confirmed a peaceful situation at the Thai-Cambodian border and good military ties between troops of both countries, according to Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

Colonel Sansern stated that the Thai-Cambodia border situation remained peaceful, while people in both countries were living and trading normally. He added that the army would operate normally as Army Chief, General Anupong Paochina, had not made any specific orders following the stance of the government since there was no need to create more tension.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is now in Cambodia to attend an economic conference on 12 November 2009. He was recently named economic advisor to the Cambodian government and private advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen.

The spokesperson announced that the government would deal with the prevailing situation in regards to Mr Thaksin. He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be responsible for seeking extradition of the ousted prime minister for legal trials in Thailand, and the army had nothing to do with this issue.

In addition, Colonel Sansern informed media that troops and border residents of both Thailand and Cambodia would have a sporting activity to enhance a stronger relationship. He said both sides always had healthy ties and had been arranging activities promoting relationships from time to time, while troops of both sides were protecting their sovereignty as usual.