Thai Foreign Minister to meet Cambodian counterpart soon

via CAAI

BANGKOK, Jan 13 - Amid renewed tension between Thailand and Cambodia following the arrest of seven Thais for an alleged trespass into the neighbouring kingdom, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Thursday that he expects to meet his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong next week.

The Thai foreign minister made the remarks as a Cambodian court today granted bail for Democrat MP for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth and Naruemol Chitwaratana of the People’s Network Against Corruption and Santi Asoke network after they were detained with the remaining five Thais for two weeks.

Mr Kasit said the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh and the defense lawyers are seeking to help the other five detainees as fast as possible, adding that Mr Panich and Ms Naruemol are now staying at the embassy, and their families will visit them there.

"The foreign ministry is doing its best to help the seven Thais without giving priority to any particular person among them," asserted Mr Kasit, following criticism over the release of the Democrat MP.

The ministry has used various channels to coordinate the issue since the first day, both informally and formally, stated the minister, adding that any action which will improve the situation will be done, such as the release of Cambodians detained by the Thai Immigration Office.

Mr Kasit said he will meet with Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong in Indonesia where the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is scheduled to be held from Saturday until Monday, Jan 15-17.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier said he had talked with Mr Panich by phone after he was granted bail and asked him to convey messages to the six other Thais that the government is doing its best to help and they should take care their health, particularly Ms Naruemol who is now having health problems.

Regarding criticism that the government is focusing on help for Mr Panich only, Mr Abhisit said the government has sought bail for all seven detainees and is now waiting for the consideration of Cambodian court case by case.

The government has always been cautious so that it could help everyone and the attempt will continue as this is only the beginning," said Mr Abhisit.

Meanwhile, members of Thailand Patriots Network on Thursday rallied at the foreign ministry on Bangkok's Rama VI Road, verbally attacking what they describe as a poor performance of the ministry regarding help for the seven detainees and demanded that Mr Kasit resign from his post for his slow response on the matter.

The ministry's entrances were closed to prevent any intrusion into its compound. No violence incident has been reported.

The Cambodian court today allowed Mr Panich and Ms Naruemol to be temporary freed under bail under three conditions: they must not leave the country, give 1 million Cambodian riels (about Bt10,000) each as bail bond and must be ready to appear at court upon receiving a summons.

The seven Thais were arrested Dec 29 by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry into Khmer territory in Banteay Meanchey province and are now detained in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison.

The detainees face two initial charges -- illegal entry into Cambodia and also trespassing into a Cambodian military zone.

But Mr Veera Somkwamkid, leader of the Thai Patriots Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon have been pressed with additional espionage charges. (MCOT online news)