Cambodia arrests two Thais over bomb attack

A Thai police investigation officers looks for remains of a bomb after an explosion on Silom Road in the financial district of central Bangkok in April 2010. Cambodia on Saturday arrested two Thais thought to be linked to the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement over a bomb attack in Bangkok last month. (AFP/File/Roslan Rahman)

via Khmer NZ News Media

Sat Jul 3,2010

PHNOM PENH (AFP) – Cambodia on Saturday arrested two Thais thought to be linked to the anti-government "Red Shirt" movement over a bomb attack in Bangkok last month.

The suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested in Cambodia's northwestern Siem Reap province, according to a statement from the Cambodian foreign ministry.

It said the pair "committed terrorist acts" by carrying out an attack in the Thai capital on June 22.

"Although there is no request from the Thai government, the Cambodian government has decided to arrest and send the two terrorists back to Thailand," the statement said, noting that Cambodia adheres to an "anti-terrorism policy".

Local media reported that the pair were being held in connection with an attempted bombing at the headquarters of the Bhumjaithai party, part of the Thai government coalition.

The attack followed recent street protests by anti-government Red Shirts in Bangkok that sparked outbreaks of violence in which 90 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured.

The Cambodian foreign ministry said the pair, both aged 33, would be handed over to the Thai embassy on Monday.

Cambodia's decision to apprehend the suspects could be seen as an attempt at thawing ties with its neighbour, with which it has a history of rocky relations.

Both countries recalled their ambassadors last November after Phnom Pehn appointed Thailand's fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic adviser and then refused Thai requests to extradite him.

Tensions have also surrounded a troop standoff at the disputed border between the countries after clashes erupted near the ancient Preah Vihear temple in July 2008.

Cambodian leader Hun Sen openly criticised his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, during one of Thaksin's recent visits to Cambodia, and made a high-profile visit to the temple, dressed in full combat uniform.