PM seeks help to net Arisman

via CAAI

Cambodia quoted as revoking visa

Published: 27/10/2010

The Thai government plans to seek the cooperation of Cambodia to extradite fugitive red shirt Arisman Pongruengrong to face charges of terrorism in connection with political violence.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he would raise the extradition of Mr Arisman when he meets his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, this week during the Asean summit in Hanoi.

Mr Arisman remains at large following the political violence during the red shirt protests and Thailand believes he is hiding in Cambodia.

The red shirt leader is thought to have recently filed an application to extend his Cambodian visa from the country's consulate in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district.

Mr Abhisit said Hun Sen had promised to cooperate with Thailand if there was solid evidence against Mr Arisman.

"Now we have information and sufficient evidence to request Mr Arisman's extradition to Thailand," he said.

The prime minister rejected speculation that the matter might lead to a conflict between the two countries, saying Cambodia had agreed to assist if it was a matter of national security.

Mr Abhisit said the authorities were looking into the assistance Mr Arisman obtained to escape arrest.

A border source said yesterday the Cambodian consulate in Sa Kaeo had revoked the visa it granted Mr Arisman.

The order followed a letter by Sa Kaeo immigration police informing Cambodian authorities that Mr Arisman, who is wanted on terrorism charges in Thailand, was barred from leaving the country and he used a fake exit stamp from Thai immigration when first entering Cambodia and applying for a visa.

First Army commander Udomdet Sitabutr yesterday quoted the Burapha task force and Immigration Office as saying Mr Arisman used travel documents which were not issued by Thai authorities. The 1st Army commander declined to comment on whether any officials were involved in helping Mr Arisman sneak out of the country.

He said he did not know which channel the suspect used to flee the country as his agency had checked all the border passes under its jurisdiction.Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to the foreign minister, admitted Cambodian authorities informed a Thai official verbally a few days ago that Mr Arisman had asked for a visa extension to stay in Cambodia.