Bilateral tension won't last long, Prawit says

Prawit said he had contacted Cambodian defence minister Tea Banh on military affairs to promote understanding between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Thai engineer Siwarak Chutipong was being dealt with by the Foreign Affairs ministry.

However, he had contacted his counterpart and there were processes to follow. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was pleased with recent developments. At the same time, he (Prawit) believed the tension would not persist long.

But he said it take some time for talks to resolve problems between the two countries.

"Neighbouring countries cannot be moved to separate. So they have to stay together in peace. It might need some time to talk for peace. But there are no problems along the border. So we have to see where the problems started and fix them there," he said.

Prawit said he would not ask Pheu Thai chief adviser Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to stop his moves [to engage neighbouring countries] - as Chavalit should know how to behave.

Prawit said national and personal politics should be separated. However, he was not worried about violence.

Meanwhile, they must consider if there is any urgent issue the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) should discuss. If not, the next committee meeting could be postponed.