PM meets top security officials to help Thais detained in Cambodia
Monday called an urgent meeting with top security officials to find
measures to help seven Thai detainees who continue in Cambodian
custody.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Prawit
Wongsuwon, and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya attended the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the prime minister said the
meeting discussed measures to assist the seven men after the Cambodian
court delivers its verdict with an aim to secure their release without
any residual impact on the country.
“We will map out clear guidelines, but [that] cannot be elaborated now.
The issue must be followed up and revised. So far, there has been no
discussion on downgrading relations,” Mr Abhisit said.
The Thai premier made the statement after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun
Sen stated that only the Cambodian court would decide the fate of the
seven Thai detainees.
“I simply confirm that no one can intervene in the judicial system,
neither the government, nor foreigners, or Cambodians,” Mr Hun Sen was
quoted as saying during a graduation ceremony at the Vanda Institute in
Phnom Penh on Monday.
“I tell them that it is impossible, no matter which path you enter
from, even from the United Nations, because the case is now under the
full authority of the Cambodian court, which must be respected,” he
said.
Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said a
lawyer has already submitted a bail request for the seven Thais and it
will take no more than five days for the court to consider it. If the
court grants bail and sets bail conditions, the Thai embassy in Phnom
Penh stands ready to provide assistance to them.
Mr Thani however said the Cambodian court has set no date for the
ruling but progress is expected in the next few days. (MCOT online
news)
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