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9/11/2009
Bangkok Post

Revoking Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's degree from Ramkhamhaeng University would totally sever ties between Thailand and Cambodia, Ramkhamhaeng rector Kim Chaisansook said on Monday.

Mr Hun Sen was bestowed with the Honorary Doctorate Degree of Political Science in the field of Foreign Relations from Ramkhamhaeng in 2001.

"This is a big issue, especially when it deals with a country's leader," Assoc Prof Kim said. "The university cannot decide on this alone but it has to consult with the Foreign Ministry and the government."

He said the Thai-Cambodian dispute was not too serious yet.

The situation was like two people who frowned at each other, he said.

"We have to think of the long-term consequences. Although some leaders are disliked by others, Thailand and Cambodia still share mutual benefits, and not everything is negative," the rector said.

"If the Thai government breaks off its ties with Cambodia completely and the two countries later become enemies, Ramkhamhaeng would have to revoke the degree immediately. If we don't, it would mean that we don't love our country."

He said the current situation was not that bad, and making a decision to go with the flow could cross the line.