Cambodia proposes prisoner exchange for early release of Thai detainees

PHNOM PEHN, December 29 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is paying a two-day visit to neighbouring Cambodia from December 29-30, said that Phnom Penh has proposed a prisoner exchange for early release of two Thai detainees in Cambodia, Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipatanapaibul. Surapong told journalists, after meeting with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong, who is also Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, in Phnom Penh earlier Thursday that, he and his Cambodian counterpart discussed many issues, including a Thai request for early release of Veera Somkwamkid Ratree. Surapong acknowledged that the Cambodian deputy premier insisted that the two Thai nationals need to be detained for a certain period of time in line with the Cambodian law but saying, however, that a prisoner exchange could result in their early release. According to the Thai foreign minister, the proposed practice is unprecedented for Thailand and the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have concerned authorities study its possibility. Wilaiwan Somkhwamkid, Veera’s mother, and an elder brother of Ratree then met the Thai foreign minister at the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, saying that today was the first anniversary of the arrest of her son and Ratree and asking the minister to convince Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to release both people early, although the Cambodian law requires a convicted prisoner to serve two-thirds of his/her jail term before seeking a royal pardon. Veera and Ratree were sentenced to eight and six years imprisonment respectively allegedly for espionage. Meanwhile, Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers also discussed quick solutions to unsettled areas through joint panels, as well as the permanent opening of the Stung Bong Border Pass to boost border trade. Besides, Cambodia asked Thailand not to use arms to arrest or chase Cambodian people who cut trees in the Thai territory, claiming that the borderline has remained unclear. (TNA)