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“At this point in time relations between our nations are cordial,” she said.A long-standing row over the demarcation of Preah Vihear Temple was resolved in Cambodia’s favour by the International court of Justice. In October last year, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha visited Phnom Penh and signed three memorandums of understanding on tourism, railway connections and the elimination of human trafficking and protection of trafficking victims. Prime Minister Hun Sen also met with Prayut on the sidelines of the fifth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit in Bangkok last December.Both governments have returned to the negotiation table. Negative news reports on bilateral relations have largely disappeared. In Cambodia, Thai television programmes are now freely broadcast after a long period ofsanctions, marking a return of cultural affinity.“Trade and economic exchanges between us are growing day by day. I see a number of factors that serve to foster a close and amicable relation- ship. These include the physical and cultural affinity between our nations, the economic linkages and interdependency of the two peoples, and the process of regional integration in which Cambodia and Thailand are members of the same ASEAN family.”Ambassador Sophea appears to be more optimistic about Thailand than many Thais, expecting the economy to pick up. She believes confidence will return once the new constitution is adopted and elections are held.“Once all democratic and govern- ment systems are back, confidence will return. Even now, business inCambodia is fully at peace. I can assure you that we have the best investment laws and policies in the region. We provide generous incentives and our economy is growing28 Elite+