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'We may seal border if...'
Nov 6, 2009

Thailand-Cambodia spat over Thaksin


Thailand boosted security around the Cambodian Embassy after the Cambodian ambassador returned to Phnom Penh early on Friday.
-- PHOTO: REUTERS

BANGKOK - THAILAND threatened on Friday to seal the border with Cambodia in a spiralling diplomatic row over Phnom Penh's naming of fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an adviser.

The warning came a day after the two countries recalled their respective ambassadors due to the dispute over the appointment of Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption.

'If Cambodia still adopts a hard line and uncompromising attitude, then we must continue to downgrade relations and maybe seal off all border checkpoints,' Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said.

Thailand and Cambodia have fought a series of deadly skirmishes since July 2008 over disputed land that surrounds the ancient Preah Vihear temple on the border.

Thailand boosted security around the Cambodian Embassy after the Cambodian ambassador returned to Phnom Penh early on Friday.

There have been rallies in recent weeks around the building by anti-Thaksin protesters.

Mr Suthep said Thailand expected Cambodia to reciprocate, adding:

'Thaksin should ask Cambodian authorities to secure the Thai embassy and Thai interests in Cambodia,' he said. -- AFP.

straitstimes.com

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