Cambodia ready to consider prisoner exchange with Thailand

Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul (L) met with Cambodian FM Hor Namhong today in Phnom Penh.

By: Sopheap

PHNOM PENH, December 29, 2011 (Cambodia Herald) - Foreign Minister Hor Nam Hong said Thursday that Cambodia was ready to consider an exchange of prisoners with Thailand.

"If there is any request for an exchange of prisoners, Cambodia will take it into consideration," he said after meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Speaking at a news conference, Hor Nam Hong said the two sides discussed the possibility of releasing two Thai "Yellow Shirt "activists convicted of espionage who withdrew their appeals against their jail sentences on Wednesday.

But the foreign minister played down expectations for a royal pardon. According to Cambodian law, he said, they should serve at least two thirds of their terms before any royal pardon can be given.

Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon were convicted of illegal entry, and spying near a military base on December 29 last year. In February, the Municipal Court of Phnom Penh sentenced Veera to eight years and Ratree to six years.