Thai-Cambodian ties remain strong

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, September 1 (TNA) - The Cambodian government has congratulated the assumption of office by the new Thai Cabinet, insisting that Cambodian and Thai relations remain strong. The expression by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Tea Banh happened during an official visit to Cambodia by Thai Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn, who is also a newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and his entourage on Monday. General Tea Banh said during his meeting with the Thai armed forces chief and his entourage that the national administration by the Thai military should result in work flexibility. On the occasion, General Tanasak informed the Cambodian government, through General Tea Banh, the necessity of a military intervention in Thai politics by the army-led National Council for Peace and Order(NCPO) on May 22, 2014. General Tanasak explained that the NCPO needed to take action to protect the Thai democracy and economy and prevent a civil war which would, otherwise, also affect other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The new Thai deputy premier also indicated that the recent visit to Thailand by General Tea Banh meant the highest morale support from a true friend and was equivalent to the care of a family. The new deputy prime minister affirmed that Thailand is implementing the second stage of its national reform roadmap, covering the formation of the new Thai Cabinet for national administration on August 31. Meanwhile, General Tea Banh sent a letter to extend his congratulations to General Prawit Wongsuwon, the NCPO’s chief adviser, for being appointed as a new Thai Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security affairs and new Defence Minister. General Tea Banh also assured that the Cambodian government would not allow any anti-NCPO movement on the Cambodian soil. (TNA)