Logo

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will reject the demand of extradition of former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, if Thai government put forward such demand when Thaksin seeks shelter in Cambodia, Cambodian government spokesman said in a statement released on Friday.

"Cambodian government will reject the demand of Thai government to extradite Thaksin for political reasons, if Thaksin Shinawatra agrees to live in Cambodia," the statement said.

It is Cambodia's response to Thailand after Thai government said that Thailand plans to use its extradition agreement between the two countries if Thaksin accepts Hun Sen's invitation to travel to Cambodia and live there.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday said that he welcomed former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin to visit Cambodia and he could provide a residence for him. Hun Sen made the remarks during his meeting with visiting former Thai premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh who paid a one-day visit here on Wednesday at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Sen.

According to Cambodia's state-run television TVK, Hun Sen also called Thaksin Shinawatra his "eternal friend."