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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is playing a hedging game against Thailand. By appointing fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his adviser - and economic adviser to his government - he has done a great disservice to his country and people. Indeed, he is looking down on the Cambodian people. He is making a big mistake because he has chosen sides and bet on his friend Thaksin against Cambodian interests. It is clear from his action that he thinks Thaksin will return to Thailand and become a future leader against all odds. If that is the case, he will reap the benefits resulting from his support.

Chavanont Intarakomalsut, a secretary to the Thai foreign minister, said yesterday that Thailand had decided to recall its ambassador and would review all ongoing bilateral agreements, and all those in progress as well. After some low-profile exchanges during the Asean Summit last week, the Thai government has hardened its response to Hun Sen's personal decision. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva kept his cool during the Summit, playing down Hun Sen's comments on Thaksin. He did well, and made the summit a successful event. At one point, he said better communication and information between the two countries on the status of Thaksin and his wrongdoings would improve the situation. Following the summit, the Thai media criticised Abhisit for not taking any tangible action against Hun Sen and Cambodia.

It must be clear to Hun Sen by now that the Thai people strongly support the government's stance on this issue. Thailand has responded appropriately against Hun Sen's government. The downgrade in relations and review of bilateral agreements will have long-term implications on the people of both countries, especially in border trade and people-to-people contact. It could also affect thousands of Cambodian workers inside Thailand.

It is unfortunate that the Cambodian media do not enjoy the same level of freedom of expression as those in Thailand. The media there should question and expose Hun Sen's personal conduct when he puts his country in harm's way. The Cambodian strongman thinks he can further divide Thai society, already polarised by different political views for the past few years. But he is dead wrong.

It is unusual for Thailand to recall an ambassador and proceed with such measures. Come as it does at this time, it will hurt Asean solidarity and tarnish the regional grouping's reputation. Abhisit and Hun Sen will meet each other again in Singapore in a week's time at the scheduled Asean-US summit. It is hoped that in the next few days both sides will do everything they can to reduce the tension before relations deteriorate further. Otherwise, it will harm the Asean-US summit. Abhisit co-chairs the Summit with US President Barack Obama.

Of course, ill-intentioned elements, including Thaksin and his cronies, hope that this current state of affairs will worsen and turn into armed conflict or civil war. Thailand and Cambodia have to use discreet diplomacy to improve their relations because the well-being of people from both countries, and the region's stability, are at stake here.