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Thai envoy recalled from Cambodia | |
(about 6 hours later) | |
Thailand has recalled its ambassador from Cambodia over its appointment of ousted Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra as a government economic adviser. | |
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the step was "the first diplomatic retaliation measure" to express the concern of the Thai people. | |
Mr Thaksin was ousted by the military in 2006. A court convicted him in absentia of corruption last year. | |
Recent border skirmishes have also strained Thai-Cambodian relations. | |
Divisive figure | |
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. |
Mr Abhisit accused Cambodia of interfering in Thailand's internal affairs, and a foreign ministry official said bilateral co-operation agreements would be reviewed. | |
"Last night's announcement by the Cambodian government harmed the Thai justice system and really affected Thai public sentiment," Mr Abhisit said. | |
Mr Thaksin - who has lived mostly overseas since he was ousted - remains a divisive figure in Thailand. | |
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. | |
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. |