Hun Sen rebuked for criticism of Abhisit

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 15:04 James O’toole and Vong Sokheng

PRIME Minister Hun Sen’s recent criticisms of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva may render the resumption of normal relations “impossible”, a senior Thai official was quoted as saying Monday.

During his high-profile trip to the Thai-Cambodian border this past weekend, Hun Sen repeatedly accused Thailand of invading Cambodian territory, saying Abhisit had “no family honour”.

Chawanon Intharakomansut, secretary to the Thai foreign minister, said this language “should not have come from a prime minister of any country”, Thailand’s Bangkok Post wrote Monday.

“I have to apologise to the Cambodian people that up until today, all Thai people and the government have wanted to resume relationships with Cambodia in all fields,” Chawanon said.“But criticising the Thai premier so badly damages Thailand’s dignity, and that will make it even more difficult to normalise ties.”

Speaking at Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Base 42 in Oddar Meanchey province’s Banteay Ampil district on Monday, Hun Sen focused vitriol on Thailand’s occupation of the Wat Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda, in territory adjacent to Preah Vihear temple that is claimed by both sides.

In Oddar Meanchey’s Trapaing Prasat district on Tuesday, the prime minister said Cambodia may resort to evicting the Thai troops from the pagoda by force.

“It is not clear whether these Thai soldiers will withdraw through negotiation or by being pushed back by the armed forces,” Hun Sen said. “[Thailand] has weapons. I have weapons, too.”