FORMER prime minister and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra said this afternoon (May 30) that he regularly talks to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen and the conflict that led to a clash between the troops of the two countries at Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani province, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed should have been cleared up while he knows exactly where methamphetamine factories of United Wa State Army, also known as Red Wa, are located, Thai Rath newspaper said this afternoon (May 30).
The senior leaders of the two countries have good relations and can talk things over while the two militaries too having good relations with this being a conflict between junior officers in the area, he said.
The border is not clearly demarcated and there has to be a retreat and the zone be turned into a “no man’s land”, he said, adding there is nothing there just forest.
“All parties must not add fuel (to the fire). It is a conflict at the border and instead of shooting each other, they have changed to playing sepak takraw in the evening. There is nothing anymore,” Thaksin said.
Asked about news of troops and weapons being sent to the border thus turning this into a frightening situation, Thaksin said there is none of that with all having retreated.
Asked about a Red Wa spokesman coming out to deny there is any drug production in their area of control and challenged Thaksin to show evidence, the former prime minister replied that he has seen pictures of where their factories are located.
On whether Thailand will interfere in Red Wa’s internal affairs, Thaksin said initially Myanmar and Chinese governments will be asked to cooperate and help out because this area is a threat to Thailand.
“If they cannot help because they cannot control and supervise this area, we have to take care of it ourselves,” he said.
Asked whether he was afraid because previously there was 80 million baht bounty on his head, Thaksin dared them to offer it as he is protected by a special amulet.
Asked again if he did not think they would do so this time, he replied, “No, don’t be afraid, don’t challenge me, just relax.”
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Some Thai soldiers. Photo: Thai Rath
Insert: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath
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