New government could boost Thai-Cambodian relations

Q: Is it because Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is an attractive woman or is it because she is the sister of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra that made the Cambodian government so keen to improve the relationship with Thailand?

A: Because it is a new government formed by the Pheu Thai Party, with a prime minister from Pheu Thai. We have had many problems with the previous government of Thailand, so we are convinced that the new government will have more of a chance to settle problems smoothly - and also because she's a woman. It's the first time Thailand has a female prime minister. Thirdly, because she's the sister of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. Her brother has a very good relationship with Cambodia. We think the Pheu Thai government has a different view of Cambodia than the previous government.

Q: Do you think the problems with the past government stemmed from the party or individually with former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva or former foreign minister Kasit Piromya. What was the problem with the previous government?

A: I cannot say it's individuals or the party, but I can say that the previous government led by PM Abhisit had a very different view about how to settle the problem with Cambodia.

Q:  You say that one of reasons that Thailand and Cambodia can have a better relationship is because our new government is formed by the Pheu Thai Party. Does that mean that if the Democrats were the ruling party again, the policy toward Thailand could change?

A: I think with the new government there will be no more complicated problems between our two countries. We'll settle every problem smoothly. Our foreign policy toward Thailand is always one of close friendship, very good cooperation in every field, with people-to-people contact too. People on the border are very happy with the election result.

Q: Since Thailand has a new government, has the Cambodian government been in contact with Thaksin Shinawatra recently?

A: We have no contact with him, but I can say that Mr Thaksin can come here any time he wants. Our door is open for Mr Thaksin to visit. Mr Thaksin is a close friend of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Q: So a close friend, not a fugitive?

A: Close friend.

Q:  Do you see Thaksin as having more of a role in the relationship between Thailand and Cambodia under the new government?

A: We have to separate [this issue]. Mr Thaksin is a former PM and close friend of PM Hun Sen, only in this capacity. And between the two governments, we have to work closely with the new government of Thailand. These are two different issues. 

Q: If Thaksin came to Cambodia, wouldn't that create more problems for Thailand and Cambodia?

A: I don't think so. He can go anywhere now - to Japan, Brunei, Macao, Germany, anywhere. Why can't he come to Cambodia?

Q: How fast can we see both countries withdrawing troops to create a demilitarised zone in the disputed border  area? 

A: The general border meeting, led by the two defence ministries, will meet, and they will set the date for withdrawal. It doesn't need to settled at the prime ministerial level. The withdrawal should be done simultaneously by both sides and in a transparent manner. Therefore we need Indonesian observers to come to monitor the withdrawal of troops. But I think there shouldn't be a problem.

Q: There's concern that Cambodian troops are also wearing civilian clothes in that area?

A: No, we are honest with the international court, and we have to be honest with Thailand also. We will withdraw all our troops, and we will only keep police there who will be very lightly armed. Just police and guards for forestry issues, and so on. We are very honest, very frank on that issue.

Q: Is there any chance that the Cambodian government will withdraw its request for an interpretation of the 1962 World Court ruling?

A: I will tell you very frankly, I think the new Thai government cannot withdraw the claim put forward by the previous government on the 4.6 square kilometre area of land. It is also impossible for Cambodia not to say that this piece of territory belongs to Cambodia. So both sides cannot withdraw from their original positions. Therefore the only peaceful solution is to go to the court, let the court determine. Even though we have good relations with the new government, we cannot do that.

Q: Is there still a chance that Thailand and Cambodia can jointly manage the area adjacent to the disputed Preah Vihear temple?

A: I think that because Preah Vihear temple belongs to Cambodia, we cannot have such a joint arrangement with Thailand. We don't see any necessity, any need to have joint management at all. We can do that by ourselves, with the help of Unesco. It doesn't depend on the new government or former government, it is a principle for Cambodia to manage the area on our own.

Q: Why does the Cambodian government want to resume talks on the disputed marine areas now?

A: It will be for the benefit for our two countries and people. Everyone knows that the area has oil and gas, so if we can have joint exploration, it will benefit all of us. We will share it equitably. We will never take profit to the detriment of Thailand.

Q: Does Cambodia have to consult with Thaksin first before any deal is done?

A: We are a sovereign and independent country. There is no need to consult with anyone on the discussion with Thailand on the share of the exploration in that area. Not at all.

Q: Is speaking up for Cambodia against Thailand one of your toughest jobs as foreign minister?

A: No. With the new government, I think it will be easier to talk to each other. I'm confident of that.

Watch the interview on "Jub Krasae Lae Lok" on the NBT channel at 9pm tonight.