Foreign Minister to visit Cambodia to help two imprisoned Thais

BANGKOK, 20 March 2012 (NNT) – Foreign Minister Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he would travel to Cambodia in April to discuss the possibility of exchanging criminals between the two countries with his Cambodian counterpart to help the two Thai nationals incarcerated for espionage.

Mr. Surapong said even though his trip to Cambodia was for him to attend an ASEAN meeting, he was hoping to have an individual conversation with Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong about the possibility of establishing a prisoner exchange accord between the two nations.

The two Thais – Mr. Veera Somkwamkid and Mrs. Ratree Pipattanapaibun – have been imprisoned in Cambodia on trespassing charges. They were arrested by Cambodian soldiers when they were surveying the border. Both of them claimed they remained on the Thai soil in their defense. However, despite the case, Mr. Surapong said Thailand and Cambodia continue to have strong relationship.