Cambodian-Thai border not to be closed: Thai deputy PM

BANGKOK, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Tuesday has reassured that the Thai government will not close the Thai-Cambodian border.

The Thai deputy prime minister's statement was made amid the ongoing diplomatic tension between Thailand and Cambodia.

The border will not be closed since it is concerned with the well-being of the people along the Thai-Cambodian border, Thai News Agency quoted Suthep as saying.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has emphasized a commitment made by the two countries for the benefit of the Thai-Cambodian citizens will not be revoked, Suthep said.

Suthep was referring to an agreement under which Bangkok will lend Cambodia some 41.2 million U.S. dollars to upgrade a highway in Cambodia, and other loans.

The diplomatic problem occurred after Cambodia appointed ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Nov. 4.

A day after the appointment, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.