A Change of Guard

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Tuesday 24 August 2010

Cambodia releases three Thai villagers: Surin deputy governor


BANGKOK, Aug 24 [MCOT]– Surin deputy governor Somkiart Sangkhaosutthirak said on Tuesday that Cambodian authorities have released three Thai villagers after a week in detention and that the trio will be handed over to Thai authorities at the Chongsangam border checkpoint in Thailand's northeastern province of Si Sa Ket Tuesday afternoon.

The trio--Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Puangpet and Lan Sapsri--are natives of Surin. They have been detained by Cambodian authorities on charges of illegal entry into the neighbouring country and possessing firearms.

Their release was secured after negotiations between the Thai and Cambodian authorities. Secretary to Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said earlier that the Cambodian authorities assured Thai officials that the three Thai detainees would not be taken to Cambodian court and would be released soon.

Senior Thai officials said the trio are not spies and that their arrest while collecting forest products has nothing to do with the two countries ongoing border dispute.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday the Thai and Cambodian ambassadors are expected to resume their duties today after the two countries decided to reinstate them following a resignation of Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra from his posts as economic adviser to the Cambodian government and an adviser to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday.

Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia is due to return to Phnom Penh to resume his post on Tuesday, Mr Chavanont said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Cambodian authorities have announced that Mr Thaksin has resigned from his position as adviser to the Cambodian government and thus no longer has any connection with the government.

As a consequence, the situation leading to the earlier recall of the Thai ambassador from Phnom Penh has effectively been resolved. In this regard, the Foreign Minister has instructed Prasas Prasasvinitchai, Thai ambassador to Cambodia, to return to Phnom Penh to resume his duties today (August 24).

Tensions between the two neighbouring kingdoms flared after Cambodia appointed Thailand's convicted ex-premier as its economic adviser last November 2009, saying it would not extradite Mr Thaksin if asked by Thailand to do so.

Thailand retaliated against Cambodia by recalling its ambassador to Phnom Penh and reviewing cooperation programmes with Cambodia.

Cambodia, in reciprocation, recalled its ambassador to Bangkok. (MCOT online news)

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