BANGKOK: Thailand’s military government is shoring up diplomatic ties with Asian neighbours to provide a counterweight to criticism from the West about its seizure of power in May and its reluctance to set an early date for a return to civilian rule.
In the latest move, acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow reassured Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday that Cambodian workers who had fled home after the coup, fearing a crackdown on immigrants, would be welcomed back.
He returned from Cambodia yesterday, bringing with him Thai activist Veera Somkwamkid, an ultra-nationalist jailed there on charges of espionage and illegal entry for pressing Thailand’s claim to a disputed ancient temple on the border.
The May 22 military takeover drew swift international condemnation and both the United States and European Union have downgraded diplomatic ties.
The military’s National Council for Peace and Order has played down these moves, focusing instead on strengthening its relationship with China and others in Asia.
Last month, a Thai army delegation visited China and Malaysia’s defence minister came to Thailand, the first visit by a foreign minister since the coup. Myanmar’s army chief is due in Bangkok tomorrow.
The military authorities also claim support from Vietnam.
Veera received a hero’s welcome at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport yesterday from supporters shouting “Veera! Fight! Fight!” as he made his way through a media scrum.
Cambodia’s pardon for the Thai activist suggests a thaw in relations between old foes and a 180-degree change in stance by veteran Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Hun Sen rattled Thailand in 2009 when he appointed former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser and refused to extradite him. “This is a gentleman’s agreement between Cambodia and Thailand’s military government not to interfere in each other’s politics,” said Kan Yuenyong of the Siam Intelligence Unit think tank. Reuters
