Cambodian ambassador to Thailand You Aye on Wednesday arrived in the Thai capital, a day after the Thai envoy returned to resume his duties in Phnom Penh, amid hopes that bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries will gradually improve.

Ms You Aye arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport Wednesday morning via Bangkok Airways flight PG 932. She did not comment to reporters, but headed directly to the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok.

The Cambodian ambassador returned to Bangkok just one day after Thai ambassador to Cambodia Prasas Prasasvinitchai returned to Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

Mr Prasas said he expected to resume his duties within the next two weeks after presenting his credentials to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.

The reinstatement of the ambassadors of the two countries came after ousted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned from his post as economic adviser to the Cambodian government and adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday.

Tensions between the two neighbours flared after Mr Thaksin’s appointment and Cambodia said it would not extradite the Thai ex-premier if asked by Thailand to do so.

Thailand retaliated against Cambodia by recalling its ambassador to Phnom Penh and reviewing cooperation programmes with its neighbour. Cambodia, however, ignored Thailand’s concerns, and recalled its ambassador to Bangkok in reciprocation.

After the return of the Thai envoy to Phnom Penh, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Wednesday he has instructed Mr Prasas to create better understanding and boost bilateral ties with the neighbouring country.

Mr Kasit said Thailand has supported Cambodia in various fields, such as loans and technology. He said he expects bilateral ties will continue, while pending negotiations and cooperation in education, culture, border security and landmine-clearing operations will progress under the existing framework of cooperation.

The Thai foreign minister also expressed confidence that the Preah Vihear dispute will not affect the overall relations of Thailand and Cambodia as both countries will not let it become an obstacle to bilateral ties and other issues.

Thai Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan also said on Wednesday he believes relations between the two countries will improve after the reinstatement of their ambassadors.

Regarding the ongoing border dispute relating to the ancient temple of Preah Vihear, Gen Prawit said the Thai foreign ministry is now working on it. The army is also working with the
General Border Committee and military ties between both countries remain strong.

Gen Prawit added the relations between Thailand and Cambodia will improve as problems should end after fugitive ousted Thai prime minister Thaksin resigned from the post.

News item courtesy of www.mcot.net/EnglishNews