Govt to seek release of 9 detained Thais in Myanmar

BANGKOK, September 19 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to seek repatriation of nine Thai nationals who remain in detention in Myanmar’s Kawthaung township under charges of possession of illegal drugs and weapons. Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul told reporters Wednesday that the Thai government is seeking ways to appeal the Burmese court for the release of the remaining Thai nationals detained in Myanmar. According to Surapong, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will discuss this matter again with Myanmar President U Thein Sein at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City next week. On behalf of the Thai government, Surapong also thanked the Myanmar government for signing pardon for the 83 Thais detainees convicted for land encroachment. (TNA)