Thaksin's visit to Cambodia

Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Cambodia as an economic adviser to the local government has sparked controversy and fueled uneasiness between both countries ever since the news broke out

Mr Thaksin arrived in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, today via a private plane at a military airport. Last week, Thailand responded to the unexpected appointment of Thaksin by withdrawing its ambassador from Cambodia. The latter reciprocated by withdrawing its ambassador too. Sounds rather childish to me

Cambodia PM Hun Sen's surprise selection of the ousted Thai leader has increased the acidic level of the sour relationship shared by both countries. These two neighbours had fatal clashes between bodies of troops over their land border over the past year

As a neutral, I can understand why Mr Hun Sen picked Thaksin. Both are golf companions during free time, improved ties after Cambodian protesters burnt down the Thai embassy and were good buddies for more than six years

The move has been seen as a political vendetta by Mr Hun Sen against current Thai leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Analysts say the Cambodian PM wanted to embarrass Abhisit as the land of a thousand smiles refused to negotiate over disputed land near the Preah Vihear temple

Whether we wish to deny it or not, there is definitely a political agenda related to the appointment, not only from a financial point of view. His visit to Cambodia benefits both Mr Hun Sen and himself but a potential conflict is on the cards