9 seconds ago 2009-12-01T19:19:49-08:00
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AFP) – Fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra landed in the Cambodian capital Tuesday to carry out his new role as economics adviser to the government, an AFP photographer said.
Thaksin exited a small private airplane at Phnom Penh International Airport and was then escorted into the Cambodian capital by a convoy of cars under tight security, said an AFP photographer at the scene.
The visit is set to further escalate tensions with neighbouring Thailand, which have increased since last week when Cambodia appointed Thaksin -- ousted as Thai prime minister in a 2006 coup -- as economics adviser.
Both countries Thursday recalled their respective ambassadors and Thailand warned Friday that it could seal the border if Thaksin is not extradited when he visits.
However, ministry of foreign affairs spokesman Kuoy Kong told AFP Tuesday that Cambodia was "not concerned about these issues".
"We will not extradite him (Thaksin). We already clarified this case because he is a political victim," Kuoy Kong said.
Thaksin is living abroad to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption, but Cambodia said last week the charges against him were "politically motivated" and vowed not to extradite him if he travelled to the country.
