BANGKOK, 31 May 2011 – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has lambasted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra for his remark that Thailand initiated the border dispute by intruding on Cambodian soil while insisting that Thailand has been a helpful neighbor.
Mr Thaksin recently gave an interview to foreign media and claimed that Thailand was the one who first invaded Cambodian territory and, in turn, exacerbated the border conflict between the two nations. As a response, Prime Minister Abhisit denounced such a statement, saying he was in disbelief that it came from a former prime minister of Thailand, who was supposed to protect his own nation instead of damaging its image. The Prime Minister assumed that Mr Thaksin might have said so as an advisor to the Cambodian government.
Mr Abhisit confirmed that Thailand had constantly provided the neighboring country with assistance in many areas, ranging from national establishment and social unity to trade and investment. He then attributed the prevailing border rifts to a past government’s mistakes while his administration had only been struggling to find an exit.
In regard to Cambodia’s attempt to pressure the International Court of Justice to issue a verdict against Thailand in the Preah Vihear Temple case, the Prime Minister believed it would not be effective while deeming it normal for Cambodia to do its best to put the blame on Thailand.
