Thailand ’s Foreign Ministry is drafting a plan to revive Thai-Cambodian relations and will submit it to the cabinet for approval soon, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Sept. 27.

The move came after the meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on the sidelines of the US-ASEAN Summit in New York last week.

The plan to restore the relationship with Cambodia includes operations and activities at both local and central levels, Kasit said.

For local operations, the ministry will coordinate with the 2nd Army Region, the Thai navy and the governors of provinces adjacent to the Cambodian border.

Cultural, sports and academic exchange activities between the peoples of the two countries will be held, while medical and humanitarian aid as well as landmine clearance and disposal operations will be conducted mutually, he said.

According to the minister, Thailand also wants to seek cooperation with Cambodian authorities in the registration of Thais and Cambodians living along the borders in order to avoid violence in case they stray and accidentally trespass into the other country's territory.

Troops of both sides can contact each other. When a problem occurs, they should talk to avoid the use of violence, he said, adding that more border checkpoints should be opened to facilitate trade, transportation and tourism along the border.

Kasit expressed hope that the Cambodian information minister and the Cambodian media will accept his invitation to visit Thailand and discuss the dispute and help create better understanding between the two nations./.