Detained Thais will be freed soon: Prawit

The 7 Thai prisoners were taken to Phnom Penh Court on 5th January, 2011.

By PANYA THIEWSANGWAN,
PRAPASRI OSATHANOND
THE NATION ON SUNDAY
Published on January 16, 2011

Defence minister confident after talks with Cambodian counterpart; urges protesters to ease off campaign

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan expressed confidence yesterday that the seven Thais being held by Cambodian authorities for alleged illegal entry would be released soon.

Rejecting critics' claim that he was "staying idle" on the issue, the defence minister said that he had discussed with senior Cambodian officials to help his compatriots facing legal trouble in the Cambodian court.

"I have talked to Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Bahn. Please do not worry about this. Take it easy. I think they will be released soon," Prawit said. However, he did not elaborate whether it would be a release on bail or a dismissal of their case by the court.

He also urged Thai activists campaigning for early release of the detained Thais to tone down their campaign.

Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Security Affairs, Suthep Thaugsuban, yesterday said there was no need for troop reinforcement along the border with Cambodia despite reports that the neighbouring country had sent in more troops.

"Do not worry. Be assured that the Thai Army is well prepared to protect the country's sovereignty. The military commanders reported full preparation in the border areas," Suthep said, adding Thai forces along the border were sufficient.

There were reports that Cambodia had reinforced its troops along the border area opposite Si Sa Ket province's Kantharalak district.

However, Second Army Region commander Lt-General Thawatchai Samutsakhon yesterday rejected the reports, saying that they were normal troop movements, and not reinforcements. "The situation is not worrying at the moment," he said.

Suthep yesterday also rejected a claim by the Thai Patriots Network that certain senior military officers had made personal gains from the Thai-Cambodian border.