Cambodia on Thursday expelled the senior serving diplomat at the Thai Embassy, and Thailand responded in kind as the two nations carried on a sharp dispute over fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin was named an adviser to Cambodia's government on economic affairs last week, causing Thailand to recall its ambassador, with Cambodia following suit. Thaksin is now visiting Cambodia, further straining relations.
Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said Thursday the first secretary of the Thai Embassy had been given 48 hours to leave the country for carrying out activities inconsistent with his official duties. He refused to say what the activities were.
Thailand responded by ordering out the first secretary of Cambodia's mission in Bangkok, he said. It is standard diplomatic practice for nations to respond to expulsions on a tit-for-tat basis.
Thaksin earlier Thursday accused his detractors of false patriotism following an uproar over his appointment as a Cambodian adviser.
Speaking to hundreds of Cambodian economists in Phnom Penh, Thaksin said he has much to offer the impoverished country and is hopeful critics in his homeland would see the benefits of an economically stable neighbor.
Thaksin's appointment by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen badly strained relations between the two countries, which had already fought several deadly skirmishes over disputed territory in the past year and a half.
Thaksin, a former telecommunications billionaire, was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power. He fled Thailand last year to escape a conflict of interest conviction and a two-year prison sentence. Critics, including Thailand's current government, have portrayed him as a traitor for accepting the Cambodian appointment and have lambasted Cambodia for hosting him while he is a fugitive.
Cambodia rejected a Thai request Wednesday for Thaksin's arrest, saying the legal case against the former leader was politically motivated.
Thaksin insisted in his speech that both countries would gain from his acumen.
"A prosperous neighbor means better opportunities for us to grow together," he said. "Of course, not all my compatriots see it that way right now. Their domestic political compulsions force them to false patriotism. Let's pray that they too will one day appreciate this partnership for progress."
Thaksin's political battle with the current Thai government, which he accuses of being undemocratic, has bitterly divided his country. He retains huge popularity among his rural poor power base who have staged frequent rallies calling for his return to power. But he is reviled by many in the educated urban elite, who led months of street protests against him.
Thaksin flew later Thursday to Siem Reap in northern Cambodia to play golf and visit Angkor Wat, the country's most famous temple. In a twist of historical irony, Siem Reap means "Defeat of Siam," referring to centuries-old struggles between Cambodia and Thailand.
In a reminder that that he remains popular with a large segment of Thai society, Thaksin was visited at his hotel by about 40 supporters who said they drove from northeastern Thailand to show their backing for the former leader and give thanks to Cambodia for offering him hospitality.
"Thaksin is innocent. He is a good man," said one of the men, who wore a handwritten name tag identifying him as Ch. Saek. He blamed the Thai ruling class for forcing his hero to stay in exile.
Thaksin, who lives much of the time in Dubai, was expected to leave Cambodia on Friday.
He has had substantial business interests in Cambodia and was accused of pursuing special deals there for his family-controlled conglomerate while prime minister. Cambodian state television reported that in his Thursday speech, Thaksin said he no longer had any business interests in the country.
Thaksin claims he was ousted because he threatened the privileges of Thailand's urban-centered ruling class by winning the support of the poor. He came under further attack in Thailand this week for remarks in an interview that critics claimed were insulting to Thailand's revered monarchy.
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