Cambodia has flatly rejected a quote in a Thai media report that ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra called on some 5,000 Cambodians to sow chaos during a short-lived but violent rally on Saturday aimed at toppling the Thai government.

The protests, which brought out thousands of Thais in clashes that petered out the same day they started, called for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who is Thaksin’s sister.

What sparked a response from Cambodia’s Press and Quick Reaction Unit was a quote on ASTV online from activist Somkiet Phongphaiboon, a supporter of the “yellow-shirt movement” that opposes the current administration.

According to the statement, Somkiet said there are thousands of Cambodians who are receiving money from the Cambodian government to act as anti-demonstration brawlers.  

“The PRU categorically protests and demands the Thai media such as ASTV to immediately put an end to the practice of such dirty and poisonous policy and evil tactic by using Cambodian as scapegoat,” said the statement.

The rally by the Pitak Siam, or protect Thailand group, was called off after an initially peaceful demonstration turned ugly when clashes with the police occurred. 

To contact the reporter on this story: Cheang Sokha at [email protected]

With assistante from the Bangkok Post.