Chavanond: Help after court process

via CAAI

Published: 4/01/2011

Thai authorities will have to wait for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court's legal process to run its course before they can help the seven Thais charged with illegal entry into Cambodia, assistant to the foreign minister Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said on Tuesday.

"If the legal process goes quickly and the court gives its verdict ... Thailand will hold talks with Cambodia to bring the seven Thais back to this country as soon as possible," Mr Chavanond said.

He said the first hearing is set for Jan 6 at 8am. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh had hired a defence lawyer.

"The Foreign Ministry is using all available channels to help the detained Thais, but we ask all sides including the Thailand Patriot Network not to make the situation worse.

"It is not yet necessary for us to send a negotiator since Cambodia insists they have to stand trial," he said.

He said Cambodia had given an assurance they would be safe.

"The seven Thais had no intention to intrude into Cambodian territory and they had no intention to spy. It was their duty to investigate a complaint by local villagers," the foreign minister's assistant said.