The Thai and foreign energy sectors have indicated to this blog that they are now re-aligning their political position in support of Thaksin Shinawatra and the Red Shirts.

“We don’t care about the individuals involved, but the world is energy hungry and we need to tap the Thai-Cambodia reserves right now,” said an oil and gas exploration specialist.

Another oil and gas expert agrees: “This current Thai government is too nationalistic and it is hurting our industry.”

Thailand and Cambodia are at loggerheads on many issues, including a rich oil and gas development, but a prominent member of Thailand's opposition Puey Thai party, Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, has promised to resolve the issue.

“I will bring Thailand and Cambodia together to jointly develop the reserves,” Chavalit said.

Cambodia is backing an ASEAN-backed body that helps mediate border disputes. But Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said he will block it and does not support bringing up the Thai-Cambodian disputes at this week's ASEAN Summit.

Thaksin has recently elevated retired army general Chaovalit to head his political party, the opposition Puey Thai Party.

Only a day after that elevation Chaovalit accepted an invitation by Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, to visit Cambodia.

There Hun Sen and Chavalit agreed to jointly push for joint development of a rich oil and gas reserve in a disputed Thai-Cambodia area in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia has granted French and Japanese oil and gas firms exploration and development rights in the disputed area. However, advisers to the Thai government on the oil and gas industry told the said French and Japanese firms will not work in the area because the threat of war means they cannot get insurance.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen this week said that exiled former prime minister Thaksin is welcome in Cambodia anytime.

“I have built Thaksin a house and he is always welcome to stay in Cambodia. I am not a Thai but I feel sorry for him to face an unjust Thailand. My wife cried when she heard of Thaksin’s plight,” said Hun Sen.