PM wants Cambodia to revise stance

* Published: 15/11/2009 at 11:29 AM
* Online news: Breakingnews

The Thai-Cambodian dispute will end if Cambodia revises its position towards the Thai government, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"If the Cambodian government adjusts its stance, the problems between the two countries will be resolved," Mr Abhisit said in his weekly broadcast on Sunday while attending the Apec summit in Singapore.

"Thailand, as the Asean chair, will not let the Thai-Cambodian issues affect other trading partners and I would like Thai people to be patient and show their sincerity by being good neighbours while protecting their national interest."

He insisted his government did not start the problem, as ties between the two countries were smooth before the Cambodian government appointed ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as its advisor and refused to extradite him.

The government had used diplomatic measures to counter Cambodia, but it did not want the problems to exacerbate, he said.

The revision to revoke the maritime agreement with Cambodia was constitutional and it had to pass the parliament's approval, he said. The Foreign Ministry had been assigned to look into all the related laws.

On domestic affairs, he said the government had three main tasks: to reform the rail operation, to resolve the Map Ta Phut impasse and to eradicate narcotics nationwide.

He said the government will urgently solve the dispute between the State Railway of Thailand's management and labour union, while ensuring the safety of train passengers.

The economic ministers on Wednesday approved a budget of 100 billion baht to reform the rail operation by improving its services, products and personnel.

"The government wants the trains to run at a speed of 100 to 120 kilometres per hour. A dual gauge system will be used and rail services will expand to neighbouring countries. The management system will be enhanced and divided to support new projects in the future."

Mr Abhisit said a four-party committee, chaired by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, had been form to seek short- and long-term solutions for Map Ta Phut, after the Administrative Court passed a ruling to temporarily suspend 76 industrial projects at Thailand's largest industrial estate in Rayong.

"The problems will be divided into 16 projects and the tasks must be achieved within 60 days. They are expected to start next week," he said.

The premier said the measures to suppress drug trafficking along the border areas will be more stringent, and officials will work more closely with communities to prevent illegal drugs from spreading.

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