Iraq violence worries Thai PM
From CNN Producer Narunart Prapanya
BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra says he is "very worried" about the increasing violence in Iraq, and said for the first time Saturday the country may withdraw its troops if the situation continues to deteriorate.
In his weekly radio address, Thaksin said he was especially worried about recent fighting in Karbala, where Thailand's 433 non-combat troops are stationed at Camp Lima.
Two Thai guards at the camp were killed in December when a car exploded as they tried to stop it from coming into a gate at the camp.
The Thai troops -- made up of medical personnel and engineers -- are due to return to their country in September.
But the Thai prime minister said if the situation "gets worse, beyond control, we will think of withdrawing our troops" early.
"Now I have told them to stay put in their camp and not take assignments outside the camp," Thaksin said.
His comments were in sharp contrast to his previous remarks about his country's contribution in Iraq, when he said the forces would remain to accomplish their mission.
Other Asian nations with significant forces in Iraq include Japan, South Korea, Mongolia and the Philippines. They are in non-combat roles.
