Thaksin takes up Cambodian role

Ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has given a speech in Cambodia as part of his new role as the country's economic adviser.

In his new role as adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Royal Government of Cambodia, Thaksin gave a lecture to more than 300 Cambodian economic experts at the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Thaksin's first lecture was titled "Strategy to Fight Financial and Economic Crisis."

Thaksin Shinawatra said, "Prosper thy neighbor is the principle. A prosperous neighbor means greater opportunity for us to grow together. Of course, not all my compatriots see it that way right now. I do not believe those who do not share our vision now are myopic. The domestic political compulsion forces them to forge compatriotism. Let's pray that they too, will one day appreciate a partnership for progress."

Keat Chon, Cambodian Finance Minister, said, "Cambodia is thankful to the former prime minister Mr. Thaksin for his exemplary role in helping bridge the gap among the Asian member countries where Cambodia benefited from the support of infrastructure and other capacity building projects."