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| (Photo: Reuters) |
Bangkok Post
The new year has not brought good fortune for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, despite his success on some domestic issues in 2010.
Cambodia has remained a thorn in his side, thanks to the arrest of Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and six companions by Cambodian authorities just before the end of 2010.
Mr Abhisit's leadership suffered when his initial tough talk failed to secure their early release. His Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen said he could not intervene because the case had reached the courts of justice.
The case of the seven Thais has dented the image of Mr Abhisit, who has survived two major street protests by the red-shirted United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship since he assumed the premiership in December 2008.
While his political opponents have been kept at bay, the prime minister has been unable to mend ties with Hun Sen. The ruling Democrat Party's policy on Cambodia has caused more tension than friendship across the border.
Despite the resignation of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra as Hun Sen's economic adviser, Thailand and Cambodia have been unable to resolve their differences on the Preah Vihear temple issue and territorial disputes.
With the seven Thais now in Phnom Penh jail, Prime Minister Abhisit's position has been weakened. It remains to be seen whether this will affect the government's stability.
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