Cambodia Pledges Clemency For Thai 'spies'

[webfact]

Cambodia pledges clemency for Thai 'spies'

PHNOM PENH, Jan 10, 2013 (AFP) - Cambodia said Thursday that it would grant clemency to two Thais convicted of spying in a disputed border area, to mark the cremation of its former king Norodom Sihanouk.

Veera Somkwamkid -- a former leader of Thailand's "Yellow Shirt" royalist movement -- was jailed for eight years in 2011 while his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaibul got six years, in a case that fanned bilateral tensions.

Cambodia is preparing to pardon Ratree and to reduce the sentence for Veera to coincide with next month's cremation of Sihanouk, who died last October aged 89, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Veera could also receive a pardon in the future, it said.

It did not specify the size of the cut to Veera's jail term, but Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told reporters in Bangkok that it was expected to be reduced by six months.

Veera and Ratree were among seven Thais arrested by Cambodia in late 2010 while inspecting disputed border territory. The other five -- including a ruling party politician -- received suspended sentences.

The border has never been fully demarcated, partly because it is littered with landmines left over from decades of war in Cambodia.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-01-10

[webfact]

THAI-KHMER TIES

Possible jail term reduction, amnesty for Thai activists in Cambodian jail

File photo : Veera

BANGKOK: -- Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul said on Thursday that Cambodia was prepared to grant amnesty and reduce the prison terms for two Thai activists jailed on espionage charges.

Speaking during an official visit to Pakistan, Surapong said Cambodia would confirm the matter soon.

Yellowshirt activist Veera Somkwamkid was sentenced to eight years in prison and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon to six years after being arrested along with other Thais on December 2011. The other were freed after a Cambodian court suspended their jail terms.

Khmer media has quoted a Cambodian Foreign Ministry statement as saying that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had instructed the Justice Ministry to seek ways of giving amnesty to Veera and Ratree.

The instruction followed a meeting between Hun Sen and Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

The latest reports indicated that Ratree could be freed after being granted amnesty on the occasion of the Royal funeral of the former monarch, King Norodom Sihanok while Veera's prison term would be reduced by six months.

It is believed that the reduction of the jail term for Veera would enable him to apply for transfer to another prison after serving onethird of his jail term.

-- The Nation 2013-01-10

[webfact]

Cambodia will soon free jailed female Thai activist

By Digital Media

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10 - The Cambodian authorities will seek a royal pardon to free a jailed Thai woman activist on February 1 and the jail term for her fellow activist, a man, will be reduced by six months, according to Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, speaking from the sidelines of a diplomatic meeting in Pakistan.

The minister broke the news today, saying he was notified unofficially by the Cambodian authorities about the good news which is expected to be announced officially later today.

Mr Surapong said Ratree Pipattanapongpiboon, a member of the Thai Patriots Network now serving a jail term in Cambodia for spying and illegal entry, will be released on February 1 during the royal funeral of Cambodia's late king Norodom Sihanouk, father of King Norodom Sihamoni.

In addition, Veera Somkwamkid, her companion in the misadventure and fellow member of the network, will be given a six-month clemency.

The foreign minister said both activists' families will be informed about the news. It is considered a goodwill gesture for bilateral relations, the minister said.

Prime Minister Yingluck said the Cambodian government informed her about its decision and she thanked the neighbouring country's government for its cooperation.

Ms Yingluck added that she often brought up the issue at bilateral discussions and during her visit to the neighbouring country and follow up the case periodically.

The government is duty-bound to help all Thais, no matter who they are, she said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-01-10

[ChrisY1]

Criminals....nothing more or less

[15Peter20]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

[whybother]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

[Buchholz]

Criminals....nothing more or less

their crime was espionage

two Thais convicted of spying

What were they spying on?

It's a very poorly demarcated (also as per the OP) scrub land with no military facilities whatsoever.

Their crime was an illegal border crossing, not the insane espionage charge that resulted in an 8 year prison sentence.

.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Buchholz

[muttley]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

Most people are not government officials sent by the PM knowingly crossing illegally the border of a country the government was currently in dispute with at the time and videotaping whilst doing so.

Most people just call it stupid.

Edited January 10, 2013 by muttley

[Buchholz]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

A wholly expected result of a political game instituted by Hun Sen.

Trumped up charges that were simply waiting for the absolutely inevitable save.... earlier it was expected to be by Thaksin, but his sister and his cousin, with suitably pumped up pomp, look to do the honors.

.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Buchholz

[muttley]

Criminals....nothing more or less

their crime was espionage

two Thais convicted of spying

What were they spying on?

It's a very poorly demarcated (also as per the OP) scrub land with no military facilities whatsoever.

Their crime was an illegal border crossing, not the insane espionage charge that resulted in an 8 year prison sentence.

.

The saving grace is they weren't shot and killed which is normally the method used by the Thai Border Police when cambodians cross into Thailand.

[whybother]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

Most people are not government officials sent by the PM knowingly crossing illegally the border of a country the government was currently in dispute with at the time and videotaping whilst doing so.

Most people just call it stupid.

Sent by the PM?

[whybother]

The saving grace is they weren't shot and killed which is normally the method used by the Thai Border Police when cambodians cross into Thailand.

... cross into Thailand, steal some rare wood, and shoot at the border police ...

[Buchholz]

Criminals....nothing more or less

their crime was espionage

two Thais convicted of spying

What were they spying on?

It's a very poorly demarcated (also as per the OP) scrub land with no military facilities whatsoever.

Their crime was an illegal border crossing, not the insane espionage charge that resulted in an 8 year prison sentence.

.

The saving grace is they weren't shot and killed which is normally the method used by the Thai Border Police when cambodians cross into Thailand.

apples and oranges

The old man and the frail spinster fired no weapons at the Cambodians.

Does your non-answer also confirm you agree the espionage convictions were trumped up tripe?

.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Buchholz

[Songhua]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

A wholly expected result of a political game instituted by Hun Sen.

Trumped up charges that were simply waiting for the absolutely inevitable save.... earlier it was expected to be by Thaksin, but his sister and his cousin, with suitably pumped up pomp, look to do the honors.

.

Is this the case Obama was to be requested to intervene in during his recent visit?

[bigbamboo]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

Or shot.

[rubl]

Before we get into more speculation like 'sent by the PM', let's recall the reported past.

2010-12-30

"Thailand: MP Panich Vikitsreth of the ruling Democrat Party and six yellow-shirt activists including Veera Somkwamkid will be tried and held in prison in Phnom Penh today, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly said after they were arrested yesterday while inspecting the Sa Kaeo border.

...

Panich made a phone call to inform Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat Party's headquarters in Bangkok about his arrest."

http://news.asiaone....230-255480.html

2011-04-12

"Thailand's ambassador to Phnom Penh, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, submitted through the Cambodian Foreign Ministry their request for royal pardon in mid-March. Veera's family also sought assistance from the opposition Pheu Thai Party and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has close connections with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The current government under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva failed in several attempts to secure freedom for Veera and Ratree because of sour relations between the Thailand and Cambodia."

http://ourcambodia.w...-thai-pair-now/

[Buchholz]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

A wholly expected result of a political game instituted by Hun Sen.

Trumped up charges that were simply waiting for the absolutely inevitable save.... earlier it was expected to be by Thaksin, but his sister and his cousin, with suitably pumped up pomp, look to do the honors.

.

Is this the case Obama was to be requested to intervene in during his recent visit?

Yep. It's the one.

It's been ripe for exploitation a number of times.

.

[muttley]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

A wholly expected result of a political game instituted by Hun Sen.

Trumped up charges that were simply waiting for the absolutely inevitable save.... earlier it was expected to be by Thaksin, but his sister and his cousin, with suitably pumped up pomp, look to do the honors.

.

Instituted by Hun Sen?

Who sent Veera and co to the border to investigate what locals had complained about as incursions by cambodian troops. Abhisit. Perhaps this may refresh your memory - as the Bangkok Pundit points out -

Was it really such a good idea of Abhisit to send a Bangkok based MP with no local knowledge, in the company of a known PAD Activist, to a disputed border of a country you have less than friendly (at the time) relations with?

http://asiancorrespondent.com/45346/what-did-abhisit-know-and-when-did-he-know-it/

Caution: contains more Abhisit spin.

[muttley]

The saving grace is they weren't shot and killed which is normally the method used by the Thai Border Police when cambodians cross into Thailand.

... cross into Thailand, steal some rare wood, and shoot at the border police ...

Every time? Do you want to check out stories of Cambodian foragers?

[geriatrickid]

Criminals....nothing more or less

their crime was espionage

two Thais convicted of spying

What were they spying on?

It's a very poorly demarcated (also as per the OP) scrub land with no military facilities whatsoever.

Their crime was an illegal border crossing, not the insane espionage charge that resulted in an 8 year prison sentence.

.

Unfortunately for you, your legal opinion was not considered by the Cambodian courts. The charge was espionage and it was legally correct. The convicted did indeed illegally cross the border and were indeed making observations and taking notes on the Canbodian actiivities. Bear in mind that the convicted were part of a group advocating direct confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia - supporters of a border war. As such, they indeed set the conditions for a charge of espionage. They wanted to provke a confrontation and they got what they wanted. Sadly for them, they miscalculated the outcome.

As the provocateurs' incitement of violence activities were stopped before people were physically harmed and property damaged, there are grounds for clemency and compassion. Also, the Thai government has worked to secure their release and the governments of Thailand and Cambodia are to be congratulated for the common sense approach.

[Buchholz]

This would be a most welcome kind of coup for Yingluck and her party.

A wholly expected result of a political game instituted by Hun Sen.

Trumped up charges that were simply waiting for the absolutely inevitable save.... earlier it was expected to be by Thaksin, but his sister and his cousin, with suitably pumped up pomp, look to do the honors.

.

Instituted by Hun Sen?

Who sent Veera and co

Not the sending part.... the blowing it up to be an espionage conviction with the 8 years prison sentence part.

It instantly created a pair of leveraging political tools waiting to be saved... by Thaksin and now, his family members.

.

[muttley]

apples and oranges

The old man and the frail spinster fired no weapons at the Cambodians.

Does your non-answer also confirm you agree the espionage convictions were trumped up tripe?

.

Do tell me what an "old man and the frail spinster" were doing on an official Thai government fact finding tour to, not over, to, the border just happening to be PAD Activists. My "non answer" is answered in my other posts. More info here about the phone calls made to Abhisits office whist crossing the border.

http://asiancorrespondent.com/45248/videos-show-thai-activists-before-arrest-by-cambodian-authorities/

"old man and the frail spinster"

[Buchholz]

Criminals....nothing more or less

their crime was espionage

two Thais convicted of spying

What were they spying on?

It's a very poorly demarcated (also as per the OP) scrub land with no military facilities whatsoever.

Their crime was an illegal border crossing, not the insane espionage charge that resulted in an 8 year prison sentence.

.

Unfortunately for you, your legal opinion was not considered by the Cambodian courts. The charge was espionage and it was legally correct. The convicted did indeed illegally cross the border and were indeed making observations and taking notes on the Canbodian actiivities. Bear in mind that the convicted were part of a group advocating direct confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia - supporters of a border war. As such, they indeed set the conditions for a charge of espionage. They wanted to provke a confrontation and they got what they wanted. Sadly for them, they miscalculated the outcome.

As the provocateurs' incitement of violence activities were stopped before people were physically harmed and property damaged, there are grounds for clemency and compassion. Also, the Thai government has worked to secure their release and the governments of Thailand and Cambodia are to be congratulated for the common sense approach.

Ho ho ho.... your definition of espionage is most amusing .

Try this:

1. the systematic use of spies to obtain secret information, esp by governments to discover military or political secrets

http://www.thefreedi...y.com/espionage

P.S. there was absolutely none of what you amusingly refer to as " provocateurs' incitement of violence" by the pair.

Also, the Thai government has only "worked" at working the political game by Hun Sen. Variously espousing their release soon on a number of occasions only for something to interfere and allow it to be worked again.

.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Buchholz

[muttley]

Before we get into more speculation like 'sent by the PM', let's recall the reported past.

2010-12-30

"Thailand: MP Panich Vikitsreth of the ruling Democrat Party and six yellow-shirt activists including Veera Somkwamkid will be tried and held in prison in Phnom Penh today, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reportedly said after they were arrested yesterday while inspecting the Sa Kaeo border.

...

Panich made a phone call to inform Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat Party's headquarters in Bangkok about his arrest."

http://news.asiaone....230-255480.html

2011-04-12

"Thailand's ambassador to Phnom Penh, Prasas Prasasvinitchai, submitted through the Cambodian Foreign Ministry their request for royal pardon in mid-March. Veera's family also sought assistance from the opposition Pheu Thai Party and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has close connections with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The current government under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva failed in several attempts to secure freedom for Veera and Ratree because of sour relations between the Thailand and Cambodia."

http://ourcambodia.w...-thai-pair-now/

It's not speculation rubl, its true. Abhisit sent Panich to the border to investigate alleged incursions by cambodian troops. Abhisit knew that Panich was going to be in the company of PAD activists, not necessarily Veera, but that doesn't make a blind bit of difference to the certifiably stupid idea to send these people to check out a border with a Country you have bad relations with.

[Buchholz]

apples and oranges

The old man and the frail spinster fired no weapons at the Cambodians.

Does your non-answer also confirm you agree the espionage convictions were trumped up tripe?

.

Do tell me what an "old man and the frail spinster" were doing on an official Thai government fact finding tour

"old man and the frail spinster"

an apt description... they're not exactly James Bond and Mata Hari...

What they were NOT doing was spying on a military installation as the Cambodians called it (although none exists). It's just dried out scrub land.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Buchholz

[muttley]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

Most people are not government officials sent by the PM knowingly crossing illegally the border of a country the government was currently in dispute with at the time and videotaping whilst doing so.

Most people just call it stupid.

Sent by the PM?

Yes, care to disagree?

[muttley]

apples and oranges

The old man and the frail spinster fired no weapons at the Cambodians.

Does your non-answer also confirm you agree the espionage convictions were trumped up tripe?

.

"old man and the frail spinster"

an apt description... they're not exactly James Bond and Mata Hari...

Spying on a military installation as the Cambodians called it (although none exists). It's just dried out scrub land.

My heart bleeds. Will you make a joke about not being able to find a bottle of hair dye when he gets out?

[FarangTalk]

The saving grace is they weren't shot and killed which is normally the method used by the Thai Border Police when cambodians cross into Thailand.

Or burnt alive if they are illegal loggers.

Or forced through minefields or over cliffs as the Thai military did to thousands of fleeing civilians during the Preah Vihear Massacre after the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in 1979.

I fear we are dealing with posters endowed with a scant knowledge of history especially in the border region and as regarding Thai-Cambodia relations but also obsessed with Thaksin and thus any reasoned discourse on the subject is always hindered by the heckling from the cheap seats.

[rubl]

It's not speculation rubl, its true. Abhisit sent Panich to the border to investigate alleged incursions by cambodian troops. Abhisit knew that Panich was going to be in the company of PAD activists, not necessarily Veera, but that doesn't make a blind bit of difference to the certifiably stupid idea to send these people to check out a border with a Country you have bad relations with.

You wrote in a way to suggest then PM Abhisit sent an MP on a spying mission and ordered him to go into Cambodia to do so, or maybe just a MP knowingly did so.

"Most people are not government officials sent by the PM knowingly crossing illegally the border of a country the government was currently in dispute with at the time and videotaping whilst doing so."

From the BP link you provided

"Now, BP doesn’t think that Panich told Abhisit or Abhisit instructed Panich to enter Cambodia, but as Veera notes above what Panich did was plain stupid. Panich though makes Abhisit look bad as Abhisit assigned Panich was going to the border so has some level of political responsibility."

What I agree with is that political figures should stay out of the Thai-Cambodian disputed areas, better sent in the army

[waza]

Criminals....nothing more or less

8 years for crossing the border illegally? Most people just get deported.

Most people are not government officials sent by the PM knowingly crossing illegally the border of a country the government was currently in dispute with at the time and videotaping whilst doing so.

Most people just call it stupid.

OMB, you couldnt resist blaming Abihist again.