Commercial counselor to look after Thais in Cambodia

Singapore - Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot  on Friday said his office of commercial affairs in Phnom Penh had been instructed to give a top priority to closely look after Thai diplomats' families to ensure their safety in the absence of some normal consular services.

Following Cambodia's appointment of ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as economic adviser to Cambodian premier, Thai recalled its ambassador and Cambodia expelled Thailand's first secretary.

"I already assigned our commercial attache to look after the remaining diplomats, particularly women and children. The attache will also take care of Thais in Cambodia also," said Alongkorn who is attending Apec Summit in Singapore.

Speaking regarding news reports about Phnom Penh's arrest of a Thai man for allegedly spying on fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, he said the incident had fueled his concerns for the safety of Thais living in Cambodia.

"I'm afraid of a possible repetition of the untoward incident in 2003" he said.

The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh was burned by angry Cambodian protesters in that year.

Alongkorn said the commerce ministry is attempting to maintain trade ties between Thailand and Cambodia, and its commercial counsellor remains in Phnom Penh.

Asked about the government's plan to evacuate Thais if violence breaks out, he said Thai government agencies concerned had contingency plans in place.

The minister stressed that the Thai government had attempted to separate the political problem from trade and economic affairs. The Thai premier had a clear stance on countering Phnom Penh through diplomatic channels while maintaining relations in business and economic affairs.

However, he conceded that the situation, if allowed to continue unabated, could definitely affect the trade, investment and tourism of both countries.