Three [Thai] Isaan men still in Khmer prison

By The Nation
Published on August 26, 2010

Three Thai nationals are still under detention in Siem Reap because Prime Minister Hun Sen's instruction to release them remains unclear.

The three Surin residents - Sanong Wongcharoen, Rim Phuangphet and Rain Sabdee - were arrested last week while hunting for food in the forested area along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Surin Governor Raphee Pongbuppakit said on Tuesday that Hun Sen had ordered the prisoners' release now that diplomatic relations have been normalised.

However, the Foreign Ministry's deputy spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said on a radio programme yesterday that the three were still in Siem Reap prison, because their case had not yet been put through the court. He added that Thai authorities were working to get them released.

Thailand and Cambodia normalised ties after former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned as an adviser to Hun Sen on Monday.

Both countries have reinstated their respective ambassadors after recalling them nine months ago when Thaksin was given the appointment. Thailand regarded the appointment as an insult to its judicial system because Thaksin is fleeing the jail term given over conflict-of-interest charges.

Cambodian Ambassador You Ay arrived in Bangkok yesterday to resume her duties, though she would not speak to reporters as she walked out of the airport terminal.

Thai Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said yesterday that the government would continue cooperating in projects with Cambodia now that ties are back to normal, adding that the Preah Vihear dispute would not be an obstacle.

The two countries have been in conflict over the designation of the Hindu temple as a World Heritage Site as well as fears of territory loss.