via CAAI
BANGKOK, Jan 10 – Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday called an urgent meeting with top security officials to find measures to help seven Thai detainees who continue in Cambodian custody.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya attended the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the prime minister said the meeting discussed measures to assist the seven men after the Cambodian court delivers its verdict with an aim to secure their release without any residual impact on the country.
“We will map out clear guidelines, but [that] cannot be elaborated now. The issue must be followed up and revised. So far, there has been no discussion on downgrading relations,” Mr Abhisit said.
The Thai premier made the statement after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that only the Cambodian court would decide the fate of the seven Thai detainees.
"I simply confirm that no one can intervene in the judicial system, neither the government, nor foreigners, or Cambodians,” Mr Hun Sen was quoted as saying during a graduation ceremony at the Vanda Institute in Phnom Penh on Monday.
"I tell them that it is impossible, no matter which path you enter from, even from the United Nations, because the case is now under the full authority of the Cambodian court, which must be respected," he said.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said a lawyer has already submitted a bail request for the seven Thais and it will take no more than five days for the court to consider it. If the court grants bail and sets bail conditions, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh stands ready to provide assistance to them.
Mr Thani however said the Cambodian court has set no date for the ruling but progress is expected in the next few days. (MCOT online news)
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