BANGKOK, Nov 12 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Thursday remained tight-lipped over measures to be implemented by his government against the latest action from Phnom Penh rejecting the Thai extradition request of fugitive premier Thaksin Shinawatra, saying only that additional reciprocal action from Thailand will not affect the neighbour-to-neighbour ties of the citizens of the two neighbours.
The Thai premier commented after chairing a National Security Council meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuangsuban, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan and military top brass to evaluate the national security situation following the diplomatic spat with Cambodia.
Mr Abhisit said after a two-hour meeting that the government has assigned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider additional retaliatory measures after Cambodia rejected Thailand's extradition request of the fugitive premier as Phnom Penh's move was not concordant with international practices and violates an agreement of the two kingdoms.
The Thai premier reiterated that Thailand does not want to cause any violence and measures to be implemented against its neighbour will not affect the daily life of people in the two countries.
"We will apply international standard approaches," said Mr Abhisit. "Shouting doesn't mean toughness. Sometimes a tranquil move may give a better impact, but we will not disclose it."
The fugitive Thai premier arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday at the invitation of the Cambodian government after appointing him its economic adviser and personal adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Mr Thaksin lectured over 300 Cambodian businessmen and economists at the finance ministry on Thursday and is reportedly expected to leave for Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Friday.
Thai premier, who also chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), reaffirmed that he will not ask for ASEAN to pressure Cambodia as this is a matter between Thailand and Cambodia.
"Whatever measure implemented will be the most efficient one and we ask the people to collaborate with the government to show our solidarity and patience,’” said the Thai premier, "to show that the problem is not caused by Thailand, but by others."
Mr Abhisit said although Cambodia will not change its stance, this does not mean that the conflict will be intensified.
He gave assurances that his government will protect the interests of the Thai people and expressed confidence that the situation will be under control and the country’s administration will not be affected.
"Please do not become a pawn of a person who wants to cause chaos, do not be the pawn of a person who does thing for himself," Mr Abhisit said. "I urge the media to verify news before reporting it in a bid to prevent any misunderstanding and intensified problem."
Mr Abhisit emphasised that he is not playing game with Cambodian prime minister, but as head of the government, he is protecting the interest of the kingdom.
Meanwhile,Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Director-General of Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry and the Office of Attorney-General are now considering the next move against the Cambodian government following its rejection to extradite Mr Thaksin.
Mr Thani said that it will take time to consider the matter as an aspect of law and then to review protocol.
The senior government official said initially he could not say whether Thailand would send another letter to clarify the issue with Cambodia. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 19:23:00 12 November 2009 (GMT+7:00)
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