Saturday, 5 February 2011

Thai FM to mend Thai-Cambodian ties: deputy PM

via CAAI

February 04, 2011

Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Thursday that Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will be able to relieve the strained relationship between Thailand and Cambodia upon his visit to the neighboring country.

The deputy prime minister was referring to Kasit's travel to Cambodia to attend the 7th meeting of the Joint Commission (JC) on bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia to be held in Siem Reap province of Cambodia on Feb. 3-4, 2011.

The foreign minister will also arrange a talks with his counterpart Hor Namhong, during which a discussion on Thai- Cambodian conflicts is expected.

Suthep said he believed that the foreign minister would be able to convey Thailand's determination to enhance a peaceful coexistence with its neighboring country.

The FM will also ask Cambodia to help the two Thais -- Veera Somkwamkid, a Thai Patriots Network activist and Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, his secretary -- who have been sentenced to prison terms by Cambodia court for espionage.

Kasit also plans to visit Veera now being detained in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison and Ratree staying at Thai embassy to discuss ways to help them.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday sentenced Veera Somkwamkid, Thailand Patriot Network core member, to eight years in jail and fined 1.8 million riels (450 U.S. dollars) and Ms. Ratree Paiputana Paiboon, Known as Veera's secretary, to six years in Jail and fined 1.2 million riels (300 U.S. dollars).

Veera and Ratree were among the seven Thais, including Democrat MP for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth, who were arrested on Dec. 29 by the Cambodian authorities in Banteay Meanchey province opposite from Thailand's eastern Sa Keo province for illegal entry.The five others received nine-month suspended jail terms on Jan. 21 and returned to Thailand on Jan. 22.

Source: Xinhua

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