Pardon for Thai man is good signal to improve Cambodian-Thai relations

Simarak Na Nakhon Panom, mother of Thai national Thai Siwarak Chothipong, seen outside the Phnom Penh court where her son is on trial for spying. Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has pardoned a Thai man jailed for seven years for spying on fugitive former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra during a visit to Phnom Penh, the government says.

(AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)

BANGKOK, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's royal pardon granted to the Thai man is a good signal to improve the Cambodian-Thai relations, Chavanon Intharakomalsut, the secretary to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said Friday.

Chavanon 's statement was made after Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has pardoned Siwarak Chutipong, who earlier this week was convicted of spying, Thai News Agency reported.

The Thai foreign ministry congratulated Mr. Siwarak's family members, Chavanon said.

Also, the ministry is ready to coordinate with Mr. Siwarak's family members concerning a trip to return to Thailand, Chavanon said.

However, it is not yet officially confirmed when Mr. Siwarak will be released, while there are only news reports, which said he would be freed on Monday, Dec. 14, Chavanon said.

Siwarak, who worked as an engineer at Cambodia Air Traffic Services Co Ltd, had been arrested in Cambodia from Nov. 11, according to an arrest warrant of prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipality Court.

Cambodia had charged Siwarak of having had confidential information affecting Cambodia's national security.

Editor: An