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Cambodia gives job to Thai ex-PM Thai envoy recalled from Cambodia
(about 6 hours later)
Former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra has been made an economic adviser to the Cambodian government and Prime Minister Hun Sen. Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Cambodia over its appointment of ousted Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra as a government economic adviser.
Mr Thaksin has been living in self-imposed exile since last year and faces a prison sentence for corruption if he returns to Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the step was "the first diplomatic retaliation measure" to express the concern of the Thai people.
But Cambodia says it will refuse any requests for his extradition. Mr Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006. A court convicted him in absentia of corruption last year.
Relations between Cambodia and Thailand have been turbulent in recent months following a border dispute. Recent border skirmishes have also strained Thai-Cambodian relations.
Mr Thaksin's new role seems unlikely to help the situation. Divisive figure
An official statement on Cambodian TV said Mr Thaksin was facing politically motivated charges in Thailand. Phnom Penh announced on Wednesday that Mr Thaksin would serve as a special adviser both to the government and to Prime Minister Hun Sen.
State television said Cambodia would refuse to extradite the tycoon because it considered him a victim of political persecution.
A government spokesman told the BBC that Cambodia valued Mr Thaksin's leadership qualities and business experience and that he would be an asset to the country.A government spokesman told the BBC that Cambodia valued Mr Thaksin's leadership qualities and business experience and that he would be an asset to the country.
Cambodia has been at loggerheads with the current Thai government over a disputed border near Preah Vihear temple. Mr Abhisit accused Cambodia of interfering in Thailand's internal affairs, and a foreign ministry official said bilateral co-operation agreements would be reviewed.
Opposing troops have exchanged fire several times since the site received World Heritage status last year. "Last night's announcement by the Cambodian government harmed the Thai justice system and really affected Thai public sentiment," Mr Abhisit said.
Cambodia has declared its frustration over a lack of progress in talks to resolve the issue. Mr Thaksin - who has lived mostly overseas since he was ousted - remains a divisive figure in Thailand.
Thailand has indicated that it will seek Mr Thaksin's extradition if he visits or takes up residence in Cambodia. Since the coup, both supporters and opponents of the former telecommunications mogul have repeatedly taken to the streets of Bangkok in large protests, some of which have turned violent.
Protesters have already made their displeasure known. They demonstrated in front of the Cambodian embassy in Bangkok when the appointment was first proposed at the end of last month. Thailand's relationship with Cambodia has also become more volatile in recent months.
Troops have clashed sporadically around the border temple of Preah Vihear, which both claim as their territory.