Thaksin appointment stirs diplomatic row

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- Cambodia's appointment of Thailand's former prime minister as its economic adviser has further strained relations between the two neighbors.

Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire ousted as prime minister in a military coup in Thailand in 2006, faces imprisonment in his country for alleged corruption and his appointment by the Cambodian government of Prime Minister Hun Sen has stirred up a diplomatic squabble between the two countries.

Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh Thursday following announcement of Thaksin's appointment.

The Bangkok Nation reported the recall of the ambassador helped sharply boost Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's popularity ratings in a poll released Friday.

Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile, has denied all charges against him. A Cambodian government spokesman told the BBC Thaksin would be an asset to the country.

"Last night's announcement by the Cambodian government harmed the Thai justice system and really affected Thai public sentiment," Abhisit was quoted as saying.

Even prior to the latest incident, Thai-Cambodian relations have been strained because of a border dispute that sparked some clashes between their troops this year. The dispute is over a small area adjacent to the Preah Vihear temple, claimed by both countries.

The Thai Cabinet may revoke a memorandum of understanding on overlapping maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Thailand signed with Cambodia in 2001, the Bangkok Post reported.