Suthep: Kasit can work as usual

By: BangkokPost.com
Published: 9/07/2009 at 11:15 AM

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya can continue working as usual despite being charged by police with committing an act of terrorism, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday.

He also said Thailand and Cambodia had come up with a solution to the border dispute, but gave no details.

Mr Suthep said Mr Kasit's involvement with the anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy when the group occupied Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports late last year occurred before he took office.

"Mr Kasit must let the law take its course and show that the government will not intervene in the legal process," he said.

The government was not trying to protect Mr Kasit or discredit the New Politics Party of the PAD, and there was no double standard in this issue, he said.

"Thailand and Cambodia have a solution to the continuing border dispute near Preah Vihear temple, and neither side will let violence erupt again," Mr Suthep said.

The two countries continued to enjoy good relations and fostered bilateral cooperation in investment and tourism.

The deputy prime minister, who is in charge of secrutiy affairs, said he expected the 42nd Asean Meeting from July 16 to 23 in Phuket would go smoothly and be orderly.

He believed Phuket locals would support the government's plan to impose the Internal Security Act in the province as the Asean meetings would affect the image of the country.

Enforcing the security act would mean people will not be allowed to gather in all areas.

Mr Suthep said he had no interest in fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's movements for now.

Thaksin was in Fiji for a business meeting, reports said.