Yingluck, Hun Sen meet urged

A meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen would probably pave the way for a resumption of border talks, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa says.

A meeting could help revive the long-stalled General Border Committee talks, he said.

Since Hun Sen appears to be on good terms with Ms Yingluck, their meeting may lead to Cambodian defence minister Gen Tea Banh agreeing to a GBC meeting. "Without holding a GBC meeting, we will not be able to talk about the withdrawal of troops [from the designated provisional demilitarised zone] and allowing Indonesian observers into the area," he said.

Gen Yutthasak said Thailand has no option but to abide by the International Court of Justice's ruling, but it could ensure that both sides are in a win-win situation.

"To be in a win-win situation, we have to be friends," he added.

He said that once Hun Sen gives the green light, he would invite Gen Tea Banh for dinner in Bangkok and after that he would visit him in return.

"Gen Tea Banh and I are old friends. We frequently talked at meetings abroad when I was permanent secretary for defence and deputy defence minister.

"Gen Tea Banh also wants to come to Bangkok, but Hun Sen must first give him permission," he said.

Gen Yutthasak will make an inspection in Si Sa Ket next week to get first-hand information and discuss the matter with commanders of the armed forces.

An army source said Lt Gen Tawatchai Samutsakhon, the 2nd Army chief, will host a Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting on Aug 23-24 at the 2nd Army headquarters in Nakhon Ratchasima to discuss troop withdrawals.

The meeting's results could be used by the defence minister when he goes to the next GBC meeting which would be hosted by Cambodia, the source said.

Army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha said he wants the RBC meeting to take place as soon as possible because it would open a channel for communication between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Gen Yutthasak said he would pay respects to the president of the Privy Council, Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, this week because his job is to pursue reconciliation efforts.

He said he has discussed the chain of command with Ms Yingluck and it was agreed that he reports directly to her, rather than to a deputy prime minister overseeing security affairs.

Asked how he would defend Pheu Thai against the accusation that it is disloyal to the monarchy, Gen Yutthasak said the situation has improved and senior party members are doing their best to uphold the institution.

He expressed confidence there would be no coup and that if he heard of one he would ask those planning it to try to work out their problems.

He insisted that no armed forces commanders would be removed after he takes office as defence minister.

Gen Yutthasak said he would have discussions with all parties concerned before any high-ranking military officers are transferred.

"I will pick the armed forces leaders. I'll talk to them about the nominations - why this person and not that person," he said.

He said deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has no special tasks for him except pursuing national reconciliation.

"The military must be for the people, not the military for a particular political party. "The military and political parties should be strong.

"When a party is weak it will resort to military power," he said.