Date: 19 March 2003

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra shows his confidence that relations with Cambodia will improve after Phnom Penh managed part of Thailand's compensation claim.

On Monday (17/03/2003), the Cambodian government transferred 251.7 million baht to the Siam Commercial Bank in Phnom Penh for damages to the Thai Embassy following the anti-Thai riots on January 29. The transfer dispersed the doubts of Cambodia's ability to repay a large amount of compensation, and made Thai government notice Cambodia's sincerity.

The money transferred would be used in reparation of the embassy damaged during the riots. However, the payment covers only damage for the embassy not for the Thai-owned businesses also destroyed during the violence. Thai Prime Minister informed that a Thai-Cambodian committee was working on assessing the damages fro the private sector.

In addition, the foreign affairs ministers of the two countries would meet on Friday to discuss the issue of border re-opening.

Return to: Bangkok Travel News