Hun Sen congratulates Somchai

Hun Sen, who had accused Thailand of border intrusion into the Khmer sanctuary of Ta Kwai sitting at the disputed border area, said in his letter dated September 19 to Somchai that the countries could end the conflict amicably in spirit of solidarity and good neighbour.

The Cambodian premier said his government was willing to cooperate with Thailand for good relations and mutual benefit.

Cambodia and Thailand have locked horns over the Hindu temples and Khmer sanctuaries along the border since June when Phnom Penh proposed to list the 11th century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear as a world heritage site. The then Thai government was forced by street protest and the opposition party to withdraw its support to the application due to fear of loss of territory and deployed troops into the areas.

A series of ministerial meetings tried to negotiate for redeployment of troops while Phnom Penh piled up more accusation that Thai troops occupied some more Hindu temples including the Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai. Thailand argued that those temples belong to Thailand in the area of Surin province.

Hun Sen said in his congratulation letter that Cambodia was confident the new Thai Prime Minister could help to fix the sour relations and resolve border problem peacefully.