Thaksin Shinawatra is popular here in Cambodia.

Today he spoke to a group of 300 economists on improving trade and economic ties between neighboring countries.

The theme of Thaksin's lecture was "Prosper Thy Neighbor."

[Thaksin Shinawatra, Economic Advisor]:
"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.”

Cambodia's finance minister says Cambodia has benefited from Thaksin’s help.

[Keat Chon, Cambodian Finance Minister]:
"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 project."

Thai authorities tried to extradite Thaksin on Wednesday, but were denied by Cambodian officials.

Cambodia says the former PM was toppled by the military, after being democratically elected by the Thai people"

Thaksin who has been living in exile, is still popular with Thailand’s rural poor.