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The government will adhere to peaceful means in solving the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and the conflict will not be allowed to lead to political changes in the country as some people may want, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after a meeting of the National Security Council on Thursday.

Mr Abhisit called for the people to stay united and not to believe rumours.

"Some people want to see changes in the country.

''Regardless of whether or not there will be a change, it must happen lawfully. There is no reason for the conflict [with Cambodia] to cause any political change in the country," said the prime minister.

Mr Abhisit said the government would adhere to the principle that any move to solve the conflict must not lead to violence between the peoples of the two countries. The government would be careful to ensure that every step taken does not affect the livelihood of the people.

He said there was no call for people to panic at every unfounded rumour. It would only cause even more misunderstanding. He asked the people to support measures to be taken by the government, and to stay united and to be patient.

Mr Abhisit said the government had not despatched any troop reinforcements to the frontier with Cambodia. The situation there remained normal and cross-border commerce was unaffected.

The Foreign Ministry was looking to see which cooperation projects with Cambodia could be reviewed, but would not be drawn into any game-playing with Cambodia. It would protect protect the interests of the country, not of individuals.

It was not necessary to resort tough measures.

"We will adhere to international practice. Shouting loudly does not mean being strong. Sometimes, quiet ways of dealing with a conflict are more effective.

"And the conflict will not be discussed at Asean level," Mr Abhisit said.

On Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's comment in an interview that he would be ready to send former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Thailand, but not as a prisoner, Mr Abhisit said the government was ready to accept Thaksin, no matter what status he arrives under.

"In fact, our extradition request was made according to international practice. Hun Sen could hand over Thaksin in any status, and we would treat him according to the law," the prime minister said.

12/11/09
Bangkok Post