Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thailand and Cambodia have recalled their ambassadors. A diplomatic crisis has arisen etween the two countries, following the decision of Phnom Penh to employ the former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra - in exile to escape an arrest warrant - as an economic adviser.

For more than a year the two nations have been at loggerheads in a dispute over borders, near the temple of Preah Vihear, an archaeological site from the eleventh century, declared a World Heritage site. The choice of the Cambodian government to take on Thaksin sentenced to two years in prison at home for corruption has exacerbated the crisis leading Bangkok and Phnom Penh to recall their ambassadors.  

Elements of the Thai government stress that Cambodia will have to choose between “friendship with Thaksin or friendship with Thailand".  This was followed by an announcement from Bangkok, which recalled its representative to Cambodia as a “first diplomatic retaliation”. A few hours later came the response of Phnom Penh, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Sok An: Cambodia, recalled its ambassador to Thailand as a "temporary measure" until Thailand restores its envoy to Phnom Penh.

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. Phnom Penh speaks of "political reasons" behind the conviction of the former Thai prime minister, his qualities and his experience, in contrast, can be a valuable resource to restoring the financial structure of the country. Hun Sen has also offered political asylum to former Thai premier.  

The diplomatic crisis between Phnom Penh and Bangkok could also have serious economic and commercial repercussions. The Thai government announced a possible "revision" of aid projects in Cambodia, a country that is still poor and underdeveloped. Sources tell AsiaNews that behind the escalation of tensions there is the "will of the Cambodian government to distance itself from the influence of its powerful neighbour". In order to increase economic power and trade, Prime Minister Hun Sen has chosen an expert - and controversial - businessman in Thaksin.

Thaksin Shinawatra, after all, is still a popular figure at home and has a wide following of supporters. He has been indicted for corruption, abuse of power and contempt of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the old monarch (82 year old) whose health has raised some concern in recent weeks. AsiaNews sources add that the war declared by the Thai government on the former premier would actually have a political reason: the project of Thaksin was "to succeed the King," who has not yet clarified "who will take his place among his four children , one male and three females.