Thai officials conduct investigation to secure release of Thai detainees in Cambodia

BANGKOK, Jan 1 – The Thai government has assigned officials to inspect the area where seven Thais were taken into custody by the Cambodian army Wednesday to gather information to contest a court trial in Phnom Penh, Secretary-General to the Foreign Minister Chavanont Intarakomalsut said on New Year’s Day.

The investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Royal Thai Survey Department will determine if the group intruded into Cambodian territory and how far. If they trespassed as far as one kilometre as said in some news report, it is deemed an offense, Mr Chavanont said.

The Thai government continues to help seven Thais including Bangkok Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and members of the so-called ‘Yellow Shirt’ People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest movement after they were detained by Cambodian troops Wednesday as they inspected the border of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province and Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province.

They have been held in prison after they were charged by the Court with illegal entry and illegally entering a military base along the border, crimes which in Cambodia carry penalties of up to six months and one year, respectively.

MP Panich’s wife Phachareeporn Vikitsreth on Saturday flew to visit her husband. It was expected that she would be allowed to see him in one or two days.

Mr Chavanont said next week when the case is brought to court, it will become clearer and the Thai-retained lawyer can seek bail immediately. It depends upon the court whether to grant bail or not.

The Thai government is not ignoring to help the seven detainees. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong seeking cooperation and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is concerned and ordered securing their quick release.

However, the issue will not have an impact on the relations of the two countries, the secretary-general said. (MCOT online news)