Cambodia Refuses to Extradite Thaksin

Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wedn- esday stressed that his Government had already rejected an extradition request for former PM Thaksin Shinawatra because is Thaksin is now an economic adviser to himself and the Government, an appointment approved by the Cambodian king. Bangkok sent a formal extradition letter to the Cambodian Foreign Ministry yesterday.
Speaking to report- ers at a press conference at his house in Takmao after his talks with Thaksin lasting around one-and-a-half hours, Hun Sen read out a statement detailing why the Cambodian Foreign Ministry had handed back Thai documents submitted to seek Thaksin’s extradition.
Thaksin was also present at the press conference.
Thaksin appeared in Phnom Penh after arriving at a military airstrip in his own jet on Tuesday.
Hun Sen showed the Cambodian refusal of the Thai extradition letter in front of Thaksin and handed out a copy of the statement to Thaksin detailing Cambodia’s stance not to extradite Thaksin.
The Cambodian Government referred to Article 3 of the Extraction treaty between the two countries which prohibits extraditing a person for a political offence.
Thaksin said that he understood the extradition request, but he declined to do into the details of his case.
Hun Sen stressed Thaksin’s competency to lead his country during his term as Thai Prime Minister.
The premier claimed a relationship between the ruling Thai Prime Minister Abhisits’ party and Cambo- dia’s eponymous opposition Sam Rainsy Party.
Referring to a rumor that the Thai Government will appoint Sam Rainsy as an advisor, the premier said he welcomed the right of a Cambodian to become a Bangkok Government advisor. Thaksin’s said his intention is to develop Thailand and help all Thais.
Asked how he will help and develop Cambodia as Cambodia suffers the effects of the downturn, Thaksin said: “Firstly, I am going to share some economic ideas to Cambodian Government economic officials to provide more understanding in this field. Secondly, I am trying to help reduce poverty in Cambodia by using my policy implemented Thailand when I was the premier. Lastly, I will attract more investors to do business and invest in Cambodia, and provide confidence to those investors.”
Thaksin said that helping Cambo- dia become developed will also benefit Thailand.

Tight security, with many soldiers and police deployed, ensured a safe arrival for Thaksin.
Thaksin’s arrival in Cambodia comes after the Cambodian King endorsed him as advisor to the Government and the premier’s economic advisor. Thaksin’s presence will be his first visit to Cambodia after he was ousted by a military coup in Septe- mber, 2006. He has previously visited Siem Reap province to play goal with PM Hun Sen.
Thailand withdrew its ambassador to Phnom Penh last week after the Cambodian government announced Thaksin’s appointment. Cambodia reciprocated by recalling its ambassador as ties between the neighbors hit their lowest point in years. Thaksin, who was prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being toppled in a bloodless coup, faces a two-year jail sentence in Thailand for abuse of power. He has been living in self-imposed exile, mostly in Dubai, since August 2008.
Thaksin was overthrown after he lost the backing of Thailand’s Bangkok -based middle class and political elite. He remains popular with the poor because of his populist economic policies.