Thailand ’s Foreign Ministry is drafting a plan to revive Thai-Cambodian relations

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand ’s Foreign Ministry is drafting a plan
to revive Thai-Cambodian relations and will submit it to the cabinet for
approval soon, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Sept. 27.

The move came after the meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his
Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on the sidelines of the US-ASEAN Summit in New
York last week.

The plan to restore the relationship with Cambodia includes operations and
activities at both local and central levels, Kasit said.

For local operations, the ministry will coordinate with the 2nd Army Region, the
Thai navy and the governors of provinces adjacent to the Cambodian border.

Cultural, sports and academic exchange activities between the peoples of the two
countries will be held, while medical and humanitarian aid as well as landmine
clearance and disposal operations will be conducted mutually, he said.

According to the minister, Thailand also wants to seek cooperation with
Cambodian authorities in the registration of Thais and Cambodians living along the
borders in order to avoid violence in case they stray and accidentally trespass into
the other country's territory.

Troops of both sides can contact each other. When a problem occurs, they should talk
to avoid the use of violence, he said, adding that more border checkpoints should be
opened to facilitate trade, transportation and tourism along the border.

Kasit expressed hope that the Cambodian information minister and the Cambodian
media will accept his invitation to visit Thailand and discuss the dispute and
help create better understanding between the two nations.-Enditem