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Phnom Penh - Thailand's fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said at a seminar in Phnom Penh Thursday that his domestic political opponents are suffering from "false patriotism" in their disagreements with Cambodia. Addressing a mix of 250 government officials and businesspeople at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Thaksin said a more prosperous Cambodia would mean opportunities for Thailand as well.

"A prosperous neighbour means better opportunities for us to grow together," he said, but added: "Of course, not all my compatriots see it that way right now."

"I do not believe those who do not share our vision now are myopic," he said. "Their domestic political compulsions force them to false patriotism. Let's pray that they too will one day appreciate this partnership for progress."

Thaksin was addressing the seminar in his capacity as economic adviser to the Cambodian government, an appointment that has riled Bangkok and led relations between the two kingdoms to their lowest point in years.

Both countries' ambassadors were recalled last week, and relations could yet worsen. The Bangkok Post newspaper reported that more than 100 lawmakers from the pro-Thaksin Puea Thai party plan to meet him in Phnom Penh Friday.

The newspaper quoted Puea Thai lawmaker Surapong Towichakchaikul as saying the visit was to show Thaksin their support.

Cambodian Foreign Affairs spokesman Koy Koung said the ministry had no official knowledge of the visit and was looking into the report's veracity.

However, Koy Koung said if news of the visit were true, it should not be seen as Thaksin engaging in politics on Cambodian soil. Phnom Penh has repeatedly stated that Thaksin would stay away from politicking since it would conflict with Cambodia's constitution.

"If they really come, I think it's just a private courtesy call," Koy Koung said. "I guarantee that Thaksin has come to Phnom Penh just as an economic adviser. Not [for] politics. Not [for] anything else."

He said Phnom Penh was "absolutely not" concerned whether Bangkok read the situation differently.

"It's up to the Thai side because the Cambodian side has reiterated that the Thaksin role is an economic matter," he said.

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.

On Wednesday Cambodia formally rejected an extradition request from the Thai government for Thaksin, describing the former premier's conviction in a Thai court as politically motivated.

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.

12/11/09
DPA