In a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen and other officials, Thailand’s Defense Minister Chavalit Vongchaiyaudh has agreed to tighten border security between the two nations and assist in construction of Cambodia’s infrastructure.
The two nations agreed they needed tighter security in 20 areas of border control including illegal fishing, illegal workers, traffic in weapons and drugs, and smuggling of cars and artifacts from Cambodia’s temples.
Both sides also agreed to open a new border crossing between the nations, in addition to those at Poipet and Cham Yeam. The Thai government has also committed to training 50 RCAF soldiers per year between 2001 and 2005.
“Issues along the border will not be allowed to have a negative effect on the ties of friendship between the two countries,” Chavalit said after last Friday’s meeting.
Earlier this month, Cambodia and Vietnam reached a similar agreement to tighten security on their shared border. Following the meeting with Hanoi, Hun Sen called for Thailand to tighten its border, mostly to prevent insurgents using Thailand as a base of operations against the Cambodian government.
While Hun Sen did not mention him by name last week, he has complained in the past that Sam Rainsy Party activist Sok Youen fled to Thailand after an alleged attempt was made on the prime minister’s life in 1998 in Siem Reap.
Sok Youen was later arrested in Thailand for entering the country illegally. Cambodia has asked for his extradition. Chavalit said Thailand would not permit any groups to use the country as a springboard against Cambodia.
Chavalit also acceded to Hun Sen’s request that Thailand assist in the development of tourism in Cambodia. Thai soldiers will help repair the road between Poipet and Sisophon and assist in building a new road from Battambang to Siem Reap. Chavalit offered the soldiers on the condition that Cambodia cover the construction costs.
It was the second of the nations’ General Border Committee meetings. The committee last met in September 1995 in Bangkok.
Chavalit arrived in Cambodia on Friday and returned to Thailand the following day.
