BANGKOK, July 9 – Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapha said on Monday that 49 Thais earlier detained by Myanmar authorities for encroaching on the neighbour’s territory will likely to be released prior to the visit of Myanmar President Thein Sein later this month.

The Thai deputy prime minister expressed his optimistic view regarding Bangkok’s move to help secure the release of Thai nationals — 41 men and eight women — who were detained by Myanmar troops last week for allegedly cutting trees and clearing a forest area to plant para rubber trees in Myanmar territory at Koh Song, opposite Ranong’s Kra Buri district.

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