Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Thaksin Shinawatra accused the Thai political leadership of "false patriotism", motivated by ideological purposes of domestic propaganda. The complaint of former prime minister in exile – newly appointed economic adviser of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen - emerged during a conference held Phnom Penh, in front of 300 business people and local government officials.

"I see many synergies between my and your country," stressed Thaksin, in a seminar on "Cambodia and the world after the financial crisis." "What is good for you -he continued - is just as good for us. Certainly, not all of my compatriots feel the same way [...] the interests of domestic politics has led them to show a false patriotism". Thaksin has also promised to "make available all the experience and knowledge” acquired "during his period of exile".  

Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister until September 2006, was considered the fourth richest man in Thailand, with a personal fortune of about 2 billion dollars. Overthrown by a coup, he fled last year to avoid arrest. Over his head hangs a two-year sentence for corruption. On 5 November, the Cambodian government appointed him economic adviser. A decision that provoked a harsh response from Bangkok, which requested the extradition of Thaksin on his arrival in Cambodia. Phnom Penh has rejected the claim, stressing that the basis of the charges are "politically motivated".  

The crisis in the bilateral agreement between Thailand and Cambodia - exacerbated by the numerous clashes between the two armies near the Preah Vihear temple - has exploded in recent days, with the decision to withdraw ambassadors. Hun Sen has announced that he will not discuss the issue with his Thai counterpart, at the next ASEAN summit (the association which brings together the countries of South-East Asia) on Sunday 15 November in Singapore.  

Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, while confirming the desire to "have normal bilateral relations", has condemned the choices of the Cambodian government branding it as "wrong, inappropriate and against international principles". He has ordered the interruption of programs for cooperation and development and has cancelled agreements on oil and gas signed at the time by Thaksin.  

Analysts believe that the former Thai prime minister wants to exploit the long-standing friendship with Hun Sen, to strengthen the possibility of a return to power in Thailand. He is still an influential figure in the country, enjoys a wide following among the people (particularly in the countryside) and his conviction has raised many doubts, because the right to defence was not guaranteed.