Arrest of 7 Thais worries Prem

via CAAI

Published: 30/12/2010

Online news:

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and armed forces commanders on Thursday morning had a serious discussion with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda about the arrest of seven Thais by Cambodia for trespassing.

They discussed the matter for about 20 minutes before Gen Prawit led other top brass to give Gen Prem a New Year blessing.

Gen Prawit, who looked tense, said to reporters: "We are following up the matter and coordinating with Cambodia."

In his speech to high-level military officers standing in lines at his Si Sao Theves residence, Gen Prem said "Today I will spreak briefly because Minister Pom (Gen Prawit Wongsuwon) and armed forces commanders still have many other things to do."

He then gave the top brass a New Year blessing.

A source said Gen Prem told Gen Prawit and other military leaders to quickly find ways of helping the seven Thais, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and People's Alliance for Democracy activist Veera Somkwamkid, being held for trespassing in Cambodia for fear that the problem could escalate.

He said the seven had probably not trespassed into Cambodia as the boundary has yet to be clearly defined.

The source said the problem had marred the festive mood of top brass and Thai-Cambodian relations, which had started to improve.

The generals questioned whether it was the seven Thais or the Cambodian soldiers who had trespassed, and said Mr Panich and Mr Veera should have asked soldiers or police to accompany them if visiting an area in dispute, said the source.