Thai spy suspects freed by royal pardon ... innocent Khmer rot in jail
Spy suspects freed under royal pardon
Three Thais scheduled to return home today
21/12/2010
Anucha Charoenpo, Wassana Nanuam and Pradit Ruangdit
Bangkok Post
Three Thai villagers arrested and sentenced to jail for spying in Cambodia have been released from a Siem Reap prison following a royal pardon from King Norodom Sihamoni, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya says.
The release of the three men is to mark the 60th anniversary of established diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said.
Mr Kasit, who was in Cambodia to celebrate the anniversary, said yesterday the three would return to Thailand today with army commander-in-chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed the release yesterday to a group of Thai journalists who met him at his government office compound to join the celebration of the relationship.
"Today I released the three Thai men to return to Thailand so that they will stay with their waiting families," Hun Sen said.
"From now on, Thai and Cambodian people will help build a better future together."
Gen Prayuth is leading a delegation of army officers to Cambodia to introduce himself following his appointment as army chief.
Sanong Wongcharoen, 37, Ling Pongphet, 39, and Laen Sapsri, 51, all from Surin's Sangkha district, were arrested in August after straying across the border while hunting and foraging for food in the forest.
They were sentenced last week to 18 months in jail for spying.
They were released from the prison on Sunday, picked up and accompanied to Phnom Penh by Thai diplomats.
The three men are scheduled to return to Thailand today through the Chong Sa-ngam checkpoint in Phu Sing district of Si Sa Ket.
The news of their release brought joy to their families.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday welcomed the release of the three men, saying he was awaiting details from Mr Kasit who returned from Cambodia yesterday afternoon.
The foreign minister held talks in Cambodia with his counterpart Hor Nam Hong and met Hun Sen.
Gen Prayuth, speaking before leaving yesterday for Cambodia, dismissed reports that the army had withdrawn troops from the disputed area near the Preah Vihear temple.
He insisted that troop deployment had been adjusted to reduce confrontation and tension between troops from the two countries.
The soldiers were positioned just 20 to 30 metres from each other and this could create tension and lead to clashes, he said.
Gen Prayuth said the troop adjustment was also to assure that both sides would not violate their agreements and noted that he would discuss this with Cambodian authorities during his visit.
"We share long borders with several countries and we all have to find ways to ensure a secured living and mutual benefits for the people," Gen Prayuth said.
The army chief is scheduled to hold talks with his Cambodian counterpart, Tea Banh.
He is accompanied by 1st Army commander Udomdej Sitabutr and 2nd Army commander Thawatchai Samutsakhon.
