FM tries to help jailed Thais in Cambodia

BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that it is trying to help a Thai activist, Veera Somkwamkid, who has been jailed in Cambodia allegedly for illegal immigration and espionage, as the Thai national is reportedly seriously ill behind bars. Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told reporters on Wednesday that he has not yet received any report that Veera is seriously ill, insisting that the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has, however, taken care of him and facilitated every visit of his mother. Surapong acknowledged that he has also told Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkaew to propose a prisoner swap with neighbouring Cambodia to bring Veera back home, and that Thailand might have to release more than two Cambodian prisoners in exchange for Veera but it appears to be one of some other possible ways to help him. Phnom Penh authorities have so far required that Veera serve at least two-thirds of his jail term before seeking a royal pardon from the Cambodian King. The Thai foreign minister, meanwhile, conceded that Thailand might be at a disadvantage regarding Cambodia’s request for the International Court of Justice to interpret the ownership of the vicinity of the Preah Vihear Temple along the common border, saying that a loss was possible for Thailand while Cambodia could make a gain from the case. The minister affirmed that Thailand would, nonetheless, try the best to defend national interest in the case and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will meet all lawyers Thailand hires in the case on May 10 and will discuss the issue with the Thai military; while the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs will produce books, documentaries and question-and-answer leaflets to inform the public of Thai-Cambodian territorial issues concerning the Preah Vihear Temple. (TNA)