It's false patriotism, Thaksin says

In his lecture to some 300 senior officials from Cambodia's public and private sectors, Thaksin said he would use his doctrine to help a neighbour prosper for the benefit of his home country Thailand.

 "I see a lot of synergy between your country and my country. What is good for you will also be good for my country...Prosperity of a neighbour means opportunities for us to grow together," he said- but noted not all of his Thai compatriots agreed with him.

"I do not believe those who don't share our vision right now are myopic. Their domestic political compulsions force them to false patriotism. Let's pray that they too will one day appreciate this partnership for progress," he said.

Thaksin tried to present that his opponents at home had been locked into old world [ideas] since the Cold War era. They did not want to see him help neighbouring countries become as rich as Thailand, since they were [still considered] enemies.

 Thaksin's appointment as an adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen fuelled diplomatic tension between Thailand and Cambodia as Bangkok wanted Thaksin's extradition in connection with corruption cases, but Phnom Penh rejected the request.

 A group of Pheu Thai Party politicians, including Sunai Jullapongsathorn, met Thaksin at the Cambodian Economic and Finance Ministry where the former premier delivered his speech.

 Thaksin highlighted his lecture on strategy after the economic crisis. He began with an analysis of the global financial slump, blaming America for the failure. Countries around the world are diversifying, he said. He recommended Cambodia prepare five sectors for development: tourism, agriculture, business and natural resources, real estate and financial.

 Cambodians believe Thaksin's economic model could help their country get out of poverty as he did for Thailand after the 1997 financial crisis.

  Keat Chhon, deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, said in his welcome speech Thaksin had initiated many eye-catching policies which affected the economy, public health, education, energy, social order, drug suppression and international relations.

"I think there are a lot of things we can learn from Thaksin's recent and distinctive experiences in order to design our own policies to address the challenges posed by the crisis and bring our economy back to its high growth record," he said.

 In Channy, president and CEO of Acleda Bank, attended Thaksin's lecture and said he was impressed by the ideas and believed Thaksin's suggestions were practical for Cambodia.

Nong Sothy, president of Thy Holding Group, said "as a businessman I really appreciate him. He spared his time to support us and we trusted him to make recommendations for Cambodian economic development."

Asked if Thaksin could spark conflict with neighbouring Thailand, Nong Sothy said, "I am a businessman. I don't care as much about politics as your Abhisit (Vejjajiva) and my Prime Minister Hun Sen. We only concentrate on economic matters between the people of our two countries."