Cambodian Premier Hires Fugitive Thai Leader As Personal, Economic Adviser

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (AHN) - The Cambodian government announced Wednesday its leader has appointed fugitive former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser and the country's economic adviser.

The announcement made on national television also said Cambodia will not extradite Thaksin if he comes to the country to perform his duty. Phnom Penh regards as politically motivated his conviction in absentia for abuse of power during his term by a Thai court last year.

But Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Bangkok will seek Thaksin's extradition from Cambodia as the exiled leader had been sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen offered refuge to Thaksin last month. The appointment adds tension to a border conflict between the two countries that has claimed several lives.