Cambodian king pardons jailed Thai 'spy'

[Lite Beer]

Cambodian king pardons jailed Thai 'spy'

PHNOM PENH, July 1, 2014 (AFP) - Cambodia's king on Tuesday pardoned a prominent Thai nationalist activist jailed for spying in a disputed border area, a government official said, in a case that fuelled bilateral tensions.

Veera Somkwamkid, a former leader of Thailand's "Yellow Shirt" royalist movement, was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2011.

He was freed on Tuesday and will be allowed to return home, according to Eang Sophalleth, a spokesman for Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The imprisonment of Veera, along with his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaibul, strained relations between the neighbouring countries, setting the scene for a series of deadly border clashes the same year.

Ratree, who was sentenced to six years in jail, was pardoned and released last year by King Norodom Sihamoni. At the same time Veera's prison term was reduced by six months.

Veera's amnesty coincided with a visit to Cambodia by Thai foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow for talks with Hun Sen and other top officials.

The activist will be allowed to return to Thailand on Wednesday with the Thai delegation, Eang Sophalleth told reporters.

Veera and Ratree were among seven Thais arrested by Cambodia in late 2010 while inspecting disputed border territory.

The other five -- including a then-ruling party politician -- received suspended sentences.

The Yellow Shirts political movement, backed by a Bangkok-based elite, are the arch-rivals of the mostly poor and working class "Red Shirts", who broadly support fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, seen as a close ally of Hun Sen.

Thaksin's sister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a controversial court ruling in May, and soon afterwards the Thai military seized power in a bloodless coup.

The junta sent Sihasak to Phnom Penh to discuss border security and a recent exodus of Cambodian workers from Thailand, sparked by fears of a crackdown on illegal migrants.

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

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-07-01

[Nickymaster]

Finally! It seems politics are not having a priority nowadays.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Nickymaster

[EyesWideOpen]

Will he now be charged and face a trial for stupidity when he returns to Thailand ??

What in the hell was this guy thinking wondering around a hot border ?

[fab4]

Will he now be charged and face a trial for stupidity when he returns to Thailand ??

What in the hell was this guy thinking wondering around a hot border ?

Ask abhisit - he sent him, along with the rest of them.

[bkkgooner]

Poor bastard I'm sure he will be well looked after when gets back to Bangkok

[rubl]

and here I was thinking Ms. Yingluck with her brother had good relations with HunSen. Petitions by his mother and nothing. Now the Thai foreign ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow comes for talks with Hun Sen and other top officials and it's done.

Mind you, strictly speaking k. Veera was eligible for a 'royal pardon' last year already.

[Lite Beer]

THAI-KHMER RELATIONS
Yellow-Shirt activist Veera freed from prison

BANGKOK: -- King Norodom Sihamoni has granted a royal pardon to Thai yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid, who has been imprisoned in Cambodia since 2010, an assistant to Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday.

The Cambodia Daily reported that the announcement was made during a visit to Cambodia by Thailand's acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who made the request for the pardon of Veera on behalf of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the military junta.

"With the request from His Excellency [General Prayuth] Chan-ocha, Samdech [Mr. Hun Sen] told His Excellency Sihasak that Somkwamkid has been released following the pardon from the King, which was signed today," said Eang Sophalleth, Mr. Hun Sen's personal assistant, following a meeting between the prime minister and Sihasak.

"He (Veera) was released earlier today and he will go back home with the delegate with His Excellency Sihasak's delegation tomorrow," Mr. Sophalleth added.

Veera and his colleague Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, both ultra-nationalist Thai activists, were sentenced to eight and six years, respectively, in December 2010 for spying, entering the country illegally, and entering a restricted military area in Banteay Meanchey province.

Ratree was released by a royal pardon in February 2013 along with 412 other prisoners to mark the cremation of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Yellow-Shirt-activist-Veera-freed-from-prison-30237546.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-01

[UbonRatch]

His Excellency Chan-ocha? Since when?

[Tywais]

His Excellency Chan-ocha? Since when?

As acting prime minister it is the correct honorific.

[NeilSA1]

"Thailand's acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow...made the request for the pardon of Veera on behalf of General Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the military junta."

Again, the general has taken action which is both intelligent and welcome. Another popular move.

[webfact]

THAI-KHMER RELATIONS
Cambodia frees Veera
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Phnom Penh


Veera

Yellow-shirt activist gets royal pardon; will return to Thailand today

BANGKOK: -- Cambodia yesterday released yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid after he was granted a royal pardon, for the sake of bilateral relations with Thailand and on humanitarian grounds, Thai Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkoew said.

Veera was arrested in December 2010 on charges of espionage and trespassing into Cambodian territory when he and six others in his group entered the border area near Sa Kaew province's Ban Nongchan district at a time when tensions were simmering between the two countries over the Preah Vihear Temple.

"We made the request on grounds that he had already served three years in jail and for the benefit of good relations between the two countries," Sihasak told reporters in his first official visit after the coup.

The Foreign Ministry has consistently pushed for Veera's release and junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha asked Sihasak to try again.

"We made it clear that Cambodia had full authority to make the decision, as we don't want to interfere in the justice system of our neighbouring country," he pointed out.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Hun Sen asked Sihasak if Veera should be released immediately or if they should wait till today. When Sihasak asked if King Norodom Sihamoni had indeed granted a royal pardon, Hun Sen pulled the decree out of his pocket and said Veera could leave immediately.

As of press time, Veera was released from Prey Sar prison and will arrive in Bangkok with Sihasak today.

Cambodia seeks good relations and continued cooperation for mutual benefits, Hun Sen told Sihasak yesterday.

Hun Sen, who has good ties with fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra and once made him an adviser, assured Sihasak that he would not allow Cambodian territory to be used by any of the parties to launch attacks against the new leadership in Thailand.

"Prime Minister Hun Sen understands our situation and would support our way to restore democracy," Sihasak said.

Two Thaksin loyalists - former Pheu Thai Party leader Charupong Ruangsuwan and red-shirt activist Jakrapob Penkair - had been previously suspected of having fled to Cambodia to launch a resistance movement against the military coup, before they set up a Free Thai movement in exile from an unknown location.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong yesterday voiced an understanding of Thailand's measures to regulate migrant workers, as thousands of Cambodians began returning to the Kingdom.

"Cambodia understands that the ruling National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] wants to maintain law and order in general, not specifically Cambodian workers," Hor Namhong said.

Nearly 200,000 Cambo-dians fled home after hearing rumours of a crackdown. The exodus raised concerns for Thailand's economy and its international reputation for the treatment of migrant workers.

Sihasak said Thailand regarded migrant workers as important contributors to the development of the economy. Thailand had no policy to crack down on migrant labourers but would enforce laws to protect them from traffickers, he said.

The Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh has already granted work visas to more than 10,000 migrants - and the process has been shortened from three to one working day, he said.

Hor Namhong also asked Sihasak to look into the case of 14 Cambodian workers arrested earlier at the border for using fake documents, adding they were victims of traffickers and could not distinguish real documents from false ones.

Sihasak also briefed Hor Namhong on the latest political developments, reiterating the junta has a clear plan to reform and restore democracy to Thailand.

Meanwhile, the "one-stop service" centre in Samut Sakhon, saw 4,318 migrant workers register so far, while 22 coastal provinces were also urged to register fisheries sector migrant workers and fishing boats within two weeks.

Interior Ministry permanent secretary Wibul Sanguanpong along with ministerial executives and provincial governors yesterday joined a video-conference with General Sirichai Distakul, chairman of the NCPO's committee on migrant worker issues.

It was to follow progress after the Samut Sakhon centre began operating, while four other centres were also open to register migrant workers at the border provinces of Surin, Sa Kaew, Trat and Chanthaburi. Sirichai urged 22 coastal provinces to register fishing boats and migrant workers within two weeks, to check and prevent forced labour and human trafficking crimes.

Public Health Ministry adviser Dr Supakit Sirilak said they had examined 1,998 migrants in Samut Sakhon on Monday and found two with dangerous diseases, who were deported.

Thailand has listed several dangerous diseases - including "late" syphilis, "contagious stage" tuberculosis and mental illness from drug abuse - that would result in deportation.

Source; http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Cambodia-frees-Veera-30237561.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-02

[Payboy]

As of press time, Veera was released from Prey Sar prison and will arrive in Bangkok with Sihasak today.

That's quick. Guess he's not walking back through the border minefield this time.

[NongKhaiKid]

" The name's Bond, Somchai Bond "

[Scott]

Posts have been deleted. Please do not make disparaging remarks directed at the Cambodian monarchy. Also inflammatory posts and replies have been deleted.

[SOTIRIOS]

....it took long enough....

....it seems to coincide with the supposed 'falling out' between the rulers of Cambodia.....and......'a certain someone'......

Edited July 2, 2014 by SOTIRIOS

[webfact]

Veera thanks all who helped and secured freedom for him

BANGKOK: -- Veera Somkwamkid, a yellow-shirt activist, who was just freed from Cambodian prison said Wednesday he will continue his anti-corruption campaign.

Veera was granted a royal pardon from Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni after being sentenced to eight years in jail for espionage in Cambodia in 2011.

The release was surprisingly announced during a meeting between Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen and acting Thai foreign minister Sihasak Puangketkaew yesterday in Phnom Penh.

Veera who will return to Thailand today with Sihasak said he thanked for all parties that used efforts to help him.

He told reporters that he still has faced many charges in Thailand so he will not do anyting yet upon returning home. However he intended to continue his works against corruption.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Veera-thanks-all-who-helped-and-secured-freedom-fo-30237564.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-02

[tingtongteesood]

Cambodia released those 2 people and asked that 14 Cambodians be released in return. Seems a bit unfair to me. They should swap 1 for 1, and they must make sure the 2 released from Thailand have served half their sentence first, then it is a fair exchange.....Yes, I am being a little facetious.....

[webfact]

Cambodia releases detained activist back to Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, July 2 -- Cambodia granted a royal pardon to detained Thai yellow shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid and scheduled to return to Thailand by noon today.

The announcement took place during an official meeting between Thailand's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday, as the high ranking Thai official was paying a state visit as acting Foreign Affairs Minister to Cambodia July 1-2.

Mr Sihasak said in his talks with the Cambodian premier they discussed the situation of the detained activist.

The Thai official said he understood that Mr Veera had to serve at least five years in prison before a royal pardon could be granted.

However, Mr Sihasak said that National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) head Gen Prayuth Chan O-cha would like the Cambodian government to reconsider the process by reconsidering the facts and the human rights aspect, as well as the strong bond between the two neighbouring countries on the matter.

Mr Sihasak emphasised that Thailand had no intention to interfere with the Cambodian justice system.

After their talks, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presented a document to Mr Sihasak, a royal pardon for Mr Veera dated July 1.

Mr Sihasak asked the Thai ambassador and officials at the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh to proceed with the proper procedure for an immediate release of the detainee.

The Thai entourage was scheduled to return to Thailand today via Bangkok Airways flight PG932, departing Phnom Penh at 10.15am, arriving in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 11.25am.

Thai yellow shirt activist Veera was charged with espionage in 2010 and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment


-- TNA 2014-07-02

[phutoie2]

He will not be up to much, well apart from getting a few decent meals inside him..

Gen Prayuth has made it clear he does not want anyone rocking the happy boat.

[fab4]

His Excellency Chan-ocha? Since when?

As acting prime minister it is the correct honorific.

You're right of course. I lost count of the number of times that Yingluck was referred to as Her Excellency Shinawatra......................

[Nickymaster]

Will he now be charged and face a trial for stupidity when he returns to Thailand ??

What in the hell was this guy thinking wondering around a hot border ?

Ask abhisit - he sent him, along with the rest of them.

Asiancorrespondent analyzed what happened and it isn't as simple as you again would like us to believe.

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

[Nickymaster]

His Excellency Chan-ocha? Since when?

As acting prime minister it is the correct honorific.

You're right of course. I lost count of the number of times that Yingluck was referred to as Her Excellency Shinawatra......................

Because Thaksin already gave her the name clone.

Edited July 2, 2014 by Nickymaster

[Nickymaster]

Mr Veera and his secretary, Ms Ratree, were two of seven Thais arrested on Dec 29 last year in Banteay Meanchey province opposite Thailand’s Sa Kaeo for trespassing on Cambodian territory and entering a military area without permission.

Here is some background and some videos.

http://saiyasombut.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/videos-show-thai-mp-activists-before-arrest-in-cambodia/

[webfact]

Veera returns but booked by CSD for questioning



BANGKOK: -- Former yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid arrived at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport before noon today from Phnom Penh after he was granted royal pardon from the Cambodian King.

He came out of the airport arrival terminal along with Foreign Affairs Ministry’s permanent secretary Sihasak Puangketkaew amid warm welcome by over a hundred of supporters holding national flag and shouting “Veera Soo Soo ( fight..fight).”

His lawyer Nititorn Lumlua was also with him at the airport to help arrange his surrender to defend airport closure charge six years ago.

Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police were on hand at the airport in bid to book him for questioning on charges of the closure of Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports during the anti-government protests by the yellow shirt protesters in 2008.

Royal Thai Police deputy commissioner Somyos Phumphanmuang is among police investigation team to question him.

(pic : twitter @7_preysor)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/veera-returns-booked-csd-questioning/


-- Thai PBS 2014-07-02

[Lite Beer]

Veera freedom followed discussion with Prayuth, Cambodia says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The sudden freeing of a yellow-shirt activist from a Cambodian jail came about after junta leader Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha talked on the phone with Cambodia's premier Hun Sen, Cambodia's Defence Minister Tea Banh said Wednesday.

The release of Veera Somkwamkit, jailed on espionage charges since late 2010, came as a surprise on Tuesday when it was announced during a meeting between Thai acting foreign minister Sihasak Puangketkaew and Hun Sen in Phnom Penh.

Tea Banh said his government and the Thai military junta have held discussions on several issues of which Veera, who was sentenced to eight years in jail on charges of espionage and trespassing in Cambodian territory in December 2010, was one.

The Yingluck Shinawatra government had tried to secure freedom for Veera but to no avail. Other Thais including a Democrat member; Pinit Vikitset, pledged guilty to the charges and received suspended jail terms. Veera refused to pledge guilty and asked for a royal pardon from Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni.

Veera was freed and returned home on Wednesday after being granted a royal pardon.

Meanwhile the Justice Ministry's acting permanent secretary Charnchao Chaiyanukit said Veera's case did not come under the transfer of prisoners agreement and confirmed it was due to the granting of royal pardon.

Veera would therefore not have to serve jail term in Thailand, he said, through he would face trial for his role in the airports seizure in 2008.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Veera-freedom-followed-discussion-with-Prayuth-Cam-30237571.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-02

[fab4]

Will he now be charged and face a trial for stupidity when he returns to Thailand ??

What in the hell was this guy thinking wondering around a hot border ?

Ask abhisit - he sent him, along with the rest of them.

Asiancorrespondent analyzed what happened and it isn't as simple as you again would like us to believe.

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

Again with the accusations. Why don't you do some proper research before posting. Abhisit was fully aware that Panich was trespassing on Cambodian territory - as was Panich. abhisit not for the first time lied when he said the video clip had been edited to misrepresent the situation.

Eventually abhisit admitted he had sent Panich to the border

Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva on Tuesday morning admitted he sent Panich Vikitsreth to the Thai-Cambodian border where the Democrat MP was arrested along with six other Thais.

Mr Abhisit said this before chairing the cabinet meeting to discuss ways of helping the Thais. He said details would be given to the press after the meeting.

http://ki-media.blogspot.com/2011/01/thai-pm-admits-to-sending-panich-to.html

If you don't believe this link the very same quotes are in the Bangkok Post.

Here's the video (the full 21 minute unedited version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBVPHBIR0Zc&feature=player_embedded#!

a BP article published a day after your link when more details came to light http://asiancorrespondent.com/45529/was-the-youtube-clip-edited-to-remove-context/

and another couple of links https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/tag/panich-vikitsreth/, https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/full-clip-of-cambodia-border-crossing-posted/, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/430886-video-clips-worsen-case-of-detained-thais-in-cambodia/#entry4127147

[mikemac]

I wonder if Abhisit reads the comments on TVF ?

Edited July 2, 2014 by mikemac

[RedNIvar]

Don't think he will be making anymore excursions around any Cambodian borders anymore.

[AleG]

Ask abhisit - he sent him, along with the rest of them.

Asiancorrespondent analyzed what happened and it isn't as simple as you again would like us to believe.

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

Again with the accusations. Why don't you do some proper research before posting. Abhisit was fully aware that Panich was trespassing on Cambodian territory - as was Panich. abhisit not for the first time lied when he said the video clip had been edited to misrepresent the situation.

Eventually abhisit admitted he had sent Panich to the border

Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva on Tuesday morning admitted he sent Panich Vikitsreth to the Thai-Cambodian border where the Democrat MP was arrested along with six other Thais.

Mr Abhisit said this before chairing the cabinet meeting to discuss ways of helping the Thais. He said details would be given to the press after the meeting.

http://ki-media.blogspot.com/2011/01/thai-pm-admits-to-sending-panich-to.html

If you don't believe this link the very same quotes are in the Bangkok Post.

Here's the video (the full 21 minute unedited version) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBVPHBIR0Zc&feature=player_embedded#!

a BP article published a day after your link when more details came to light http://asiancorrespondent.com/45529/was-the-youtube-clip-edited-to-remove-context/

and another couple of links https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/tag/panich-vikitsreth/, https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/full-clip-of-cambodia-border-crossing-posted/, http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/430886-video-clips-worsen-case-of-detained-thais-in-cambodia/#entry4127147

Abhisit didn't send him to cross the border into Cambodia, as usual you are just obfuscating.

[Basil B]

Uncle "T" losing his influence in Cambodia?