Thread: Cambodian soldiers arrest Dem MP, Thais

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/wo..._131331225.htm

Two Thai spies jailed in Cambodia withdraw Appeal complaint

English.news.cn
2011-12-28 13:21:40

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The two Thai "Yellow-Shirt" activists jailed in Cambodia for espionage appeared in the Court of Appeal on Wednesday to withdraw their complaint against the verdict of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance.

The pair are Veera Somkwamkid, one of the leaders of the People 's Network against Corruption and a high-profile activist in the Thailand Patriot Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance, on Feb.1, convicted Veera and Ratree of illegal entry, unlawful entry into military base and espionage and sentenced them to eight years and six years in jail respectively.
In later February, the two Thais lodged an appeal against the verdict.

Speaking before the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, the pair said they decided to withdraw the complaint without reason explannation.

Meanwhile, the Appeal Court Judge Samrith Sophal agreed the withdrawal and said that the duo could seek Cambodia's King for royal pardon after they have served two thirds of the jail term.

The duo's appearance in the Court of Appeal was just a day before the visit of Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to Cambodia.

Speaking to reporters at a short break at the Court, Veera said in the prison, he has been given good care from the guards and inmates, adding that he missed his homeland very much.

Veera and Ratree were arrested on Dec. 29, 2011, along with five others including Democrat Party Member of Parliament Panich Vikitsreth, after they illegally entered Cambodian territory to observe border demarcation process.

The five were released in late January after Cambodian court suspended their sentences of nine months in jail.

Cambodia says two Thai spies must serve two thirds of jail term before amnesty - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Cambodia says two Thai spies must serve two thirds of jail term before amnesty

English.news.cn
2011-12-29 14:04:23

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, minister of foreign affairs, reiterated on Thursday that there will be no royal pardon for the two Thai "Yellow-Shirt" activists jailed here for espionage until they have served two thirds of their jail term.

His remarks were made after visiting Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul asked him to consider to reduce the jail term or to give royal amnesty by Cambodia's King to the pair.

"According to Cambodia's law, a prisoner must be jailed at least two thirds of his jail term before being considered for royal pardon from the King," Hor Namhong told reporters in a joint press briefing after the meeting.

However, he said that it is possible to release the two Thai spies earlier if the government of Thailand has a request to Cambodia for a meeting "to exchange prisoners as package."

Surapong thanked the government of Cambodia for giving good care to the two Thai detainees in the Prey Sar prison on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

The two "Yellow Shirt" Thais are Veera Somkwamkid, one of the leaders of the People's Network against Corruption and a high- profile activist in the Thailand Patriot Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court of First Instance, on February 1, convicted Veera and Ratree of illegal entry, unlawful entry into a military base and espionage and sentenced them to 8 years and 6 years in jail respectively.

Veera and Ratree were arrested on December 29, 2011, along with five others including Democrat Party Member of Parliament Panich Vikitsreth, after they illegally entered Cambodian territory to observe the border demarcation process.

The five were released in late January after a Cambodian court suspended their sentences of nine months in jail.

Will they also have to confess guilt?

Thai-ASEAN News Network - 2 Thais Jailed in Cambodia to Serve at Least 1/3 of Sentences



2 Thais Jailed in Cambodia to Serve at Least 1/3 of Sentences

UPDATE : 7 February 2012

The foreign minister reveals that the two Thai activists jailed in Cambodia for espionage and illegal entry will have to serve at least one-third of their sentences before the jail term could be commuted.

Foreign Affairs Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul briefed the media on the government's latest attempt to help free Thai activists, Veera Somkwankid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon.


The two have been imprisoned in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison, for illegal entry and espionage.

The foreign affairs minister said the Cambodian government has told the Thai authorities that the two activists are required to serve at least one-third of their sentences before a royal pardon could be considered.

Veera was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined 1.8 million riels , while his secretary Ratree was given six years in jail and a 1.2 million riel fine.

The duo have been in Cambodian custody since late December, 2010.

Thai FM To Visit Cambodia For Prisoner Exchange Accord

BANGKOK, March 20 (Bernama) -- Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said Tuesday he would travel to Cambodia in April to discuss the possibility of exchanging criminals between the two countries in an effort to assist two Thai nationals currently being jailed in Phnom Penh, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two prisoners are among seven Thais who travelled to inspect the overlapping border along Thailand's Sa Kaeo province and Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province late December 2010, who were captured for illegal entry and trespassing into Cambodia's military zone.

Five of them were released on bail in mid-January last year.

The foreign minister said he would hold a discussion with Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong about the possibility of establishing a prisoner exchange accord between the two countries while in Cambodia to attend ASEAN meetings.

bernama.com

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/poli...e-with-hun-sen

Thaksin to discuss Veera, Ratree's release with Hun Sen

• Published: 1/04/2012 at 02:30 AM
• Newspaper section: News

A Pheu Thai MP yesterday told the People's Alliance for Democracy that their long-standing enemy Thaksin Shinawatra might soon deliver "good news" regarding jailed yellow shirts Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, both imprisoned in Cambodia.

Thaksin will visit Phnom Penh during the Songkran holidays, and Pheu Thai MP and party spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the former prime minister would discuss the possibility of releasing Veera and Ratree with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Both have been imprisoned in Phnom Penh for espionage and illegal entry into Cambodia since December 2010.

Thaksin is scheduled to visit Cambodia on April 14 and 15 following a three-day trip to Laos on April 11-13.

"There could be good news about the pair on April 16," Mr Jirayu said.

Mr Jirayu rejected as "ridiculous" a rumour that the exiled ex-premier would disguise himself among 20,000 red-shirt supporters and sneak back into Thailand from Laos.

The red shirts plan to meet Thaksin in Laos and on their way back they will wear the same shirts and masks bearing Thaksin's likeness.

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...e-veera-ratree

Govt in talks to repatriate Veera, Ratree

• Published: 2/04/2012 at 02:02 AM
• Newspaper section: News

PHNOM PENH : Thailand has held prisoner-exchange talks with Cambodia in a bid to get two Thais repatriated.

Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew yesterday met his Cambodian counterpart Ung Seng on the sidelines of an Asean summit in Phnom Penh.

A ministry source said both sides raised the possibility of helping Veera Somkwamkid, the Thai Patriots Network's coordinator, and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon by exchanging prisoners.

It was the first time a prisoner exchange was officially discussed since Cambodia proposed the option during a visit by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul late last year. The two countries also talked about a royal pardon for a group of prisoners, without mentioning Veera or Ratree, said the source.

The issue is expected to be raised again at the next Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission in Bangkok on May 20-21.

Veera and Ratree were arrested in late December 2010 and charged with illegal entry and espionage. They were jailed for eight and six years respectively.

Mr Sihasak also raised the issue of illegal timber trafficking along the Thai-Cambodian border. Both sides greed to improve relations to end the trafficking, the source said.

More than 400 Cambodians have been arrested for encroachment after logging trees on Thai soil. In six cases, weapons were used to attack Thai authorities.

Regarding Preah Vihear temple, the source said both sides would let the case be considered by the International Court of Justice and agreed to avoid border conflicts under the provisional measure ordered by the court last June.

I'd bet these two are staying in a 'lodge' somewhere in Cambodia - not a Khmer prison.

'Spy' pair's return no closer | Bangkok Post: news

'Spy' pair's return no closer

Veera, Ratree will have served 2 years this week

• Published: 27/12/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The chances of two Thai activists being freed early from Cambodia's Prey Sar Prison still look uncertain, two years after they started serving jail terms for espionage and illegal entry.



The government has tried several times to negotiate the release of Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, but has made no progress.

The issue was not discussed directly at the Thai-Cambodian Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation meeting held in Bangkok yesterday. The meeting had been suspended for almost two years, a Foreign Ministry source said.

Veera, a coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, and his secretary Ratree were arrested on Dec 29, 2010, while leading a group of Thais to survey a border area near Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district.

They say they were trying to help villagers settle a border demarcation dispute with Cambodia.

Five other people held, including former Democrat MP Panich Vikitset and Samdin Lertbutr, a member of the Santi Asoke Buddhism sect, were freed soon after their arrests but Veera and Ratree were detained and charged with illegal entry and espionage. A Cambodian court later sentenced the two to eight years and six years in prison respectively.

Despite Thailand's pleas for leniency, Cambodia has insisted they serve their jail terms. Phnom Penh has suggested the prisoners seek a royal pardon from Cambodia's king after serving two thirds of their jail terms.

The joint commission meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul and his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong.

Mr Surapong told reporters Wednesday that Ratree would complete one third of her term tomorrow so it would be possible to bring her back to Thailand through a prisoner exchange deal.

Thailand and Cambodia have a prisoner exchange agreement under which each can request the transfer of their nationals to continue their jail terms in their own countries. Prisoners first have to apply for a transfer.

Thailand was planning to exchange 15 Cambodian prisoners for 12 Thai inmates from lists compiled by the foreign ministries of each country.

"This could be an opportunity," Mr Surapong said.

However, he said Ratree was not among the listed 12 Thai inmates and officials had yet to find out whether the agreement covered the offences she had committed in Cambodia.

A Foreign Ministry source said officials would ask Ratree if she wants to apply for a transfer before taking the matter further.

The source said the Foreign Ministry would submit a transfer request to Cambodia's Justice Ministry if Ratree agreed and was eligible.

Mr Surapong also vowed to help Veera, saying the government was ready to ask Cambodia whether the transfer agreement covered his case once he completes one third of his jail term next year. Meanwhile, Veera's younger brother Preecha called on the Yingluck Shinawatra government to show more sincerity in helping his brother.

"I still feel the government has not done enough to secure his release over the past two years. I want to see it talking more frequently with Cambodia," Mr Preecha said.

He said the government should push for talks with Phnom Penh to bring Veera and Ratree home under the exchange programme. Efforts should be made to seek a royal pardon for the two if they complete two thirds of their jail terms, he said.

Meanwhile, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to start implementing a single visa agreement Thursday.

Mr Surapong said the single visa would help promote tourism by allowing visitors from 35 countries to use one visa to stay for 60 days in either or both countries.

Cambodia to free yellow shirts Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon? | Bangkok Post: news

Veera, Ratree nearer to freedom

• Published: 10/01/2013 at 03:25 PM
• Online news: Local News

The Ministry of Justice of Cambodia is considering Prime Minister Hun Sen's instruction to reduce the prison term for Veera Somkwamkid and to pardon Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, according to a press statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Cambodia on Thursday.


Yingluck: Consider pardoning Veera and Ratree

According to the statement, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked the Cambodian prime minister during the Asean Summit in Phnom Penh in November last year to consider pardoning the two imprisoned Thais. She made the same request on Thursday.

In response to Ms Yingluck's request, Mr Hun Sen instructed the Ministry of Justice to consider reducing Veera's duration of imprisonment, which could lead to a pardon in the future, and the pardoning of Ratree, on the occasion of the royal cremation of former king Norodom Sihanouk.

The cremation has been set for Feb 4.

The Cambodian Justice Ministry will decide soon on the matter, the statement said.

Ms Yingluck this morning confirmed she had been notified of the move by Cambodian authorities.

She said that according to the message passed to her, Ratree would be released and Veera's jail term reduced by six months.

The prime minister praised Cambodia's cooperation, saying that Thai prisoners in the neighbouring country usually get their jail terms reduced on important occasions.

This is an indication of good relations between Thailand and Cambodia, she added.

Veera and Ratree were arrested along with five other Thais, including then-Democrat Party MP Panich Vikitsreth, on Dec 29, 2010 while "inspecting" a disputed border zone near Sa Kaeo's Ban Nongchan area.

The two are currently being held in Prey Sar Prison near Phnom Penh. Veera was sentenced to eight years in jail and Ratree to six years on charges of espionage and illegal entry. Veera had previously been deported from Cambodia for illegal entry.

The five others were released after the court suspended their sentences of nine months in jail for illegal entry.

Ms Yingluck said she had not been briefed on a report that a group of people would rally along the Thai-Cambodian border on Jan 12-13 to oppose the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the disputed area immediately around Preah Vihear temple.

However, she had instructed the army to maintain peace along the border.


Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, second left, inspects the border at Pha Mor E-Daeng in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province. (Photo by Sermphong Thongsamrit)

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday visited the border in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, adjacent to Preah Vihear.

He visited the Suranaree Task Force and was briefed on the situation by Region 2 Army senior officers. He also inspected the Border Patrol Police operations and visited Mor E-Daeng pass and surveyed the Thai-Cambodian border area.

The army said on Wednesday that the one-day trip was intended to lift the morale of the units stationed at the border on the occasion of the New Year.

Gen Prayuth stressed that the army is giving importance to all border areas, not only the area near the temple in dispute.

Before leaving Bangkok for the northeastern province, Gen Prayuth downplayed the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy's plan to hold a major demonstration on Jan 21 to protest against the ICJ's ruling on the dispute over the border area near Preah Vihear, saying that he had no interest in the PAD.

The army chief said serving soldiers were prohibited from taking part in the PAD rally, and warned that troops who disobey his order would be punished.

Asked about another PAD rally planned for Jan 12 to 13 in the province, Gen Prayuth urged his men to pay attention to their duties and not be easily provoked and to avoid any confrontation.

The Thai Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Cambodian authorities said they would pardon Ratree Pipattanapaiboon on Feb1 | Bangkok Post: news

FM: Ratree to be pardoned Feb 1

• Published: 11/01/2013 at 02:37 PM
• Online news: Local News

BANGKOK - The Cambodian government has informed the Thai foreign minister that a royal pardon for Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, one of two Thais jailed in Cambodia for espionage and illegal entry, will take effect on Feb 1, 2013.


Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, left, shakes hands with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Dec 29, 2011. (EPA photo)

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Friday that the government will ask Ratree's family how many people will travel to Phnom Penh to receive her. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh will then coordinate with the Cambodian authorities.

He said the Cambodian government is also expected to make an official announcement on reducing Veera Somkwamkid's prison sentence on Friday afternoon.

"I would like to thank Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong on this occasion and I would like to express my gratitude for King Norodom Sihamoni's compassion for the two Thais," the minister said.

On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry of Cambodia issued a press statement saying Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed the Cambodian Justice Ministry to consider reducing the prison term for Veera and granting a royal pardon to Ratree, on the occasion of the royal cremation of former king Norodom Sihanouk. The cremation has been set for Feb 4.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked the Cambodian premier during the Asean Summit in Phnom Penh in November last year to consider pardoning the two imprisoned Thais. She made the same request on Thursday.

Veera and Ratree were arrested along with five other Thais, including then-Democrat Party MP Panich Vikitsreth, on Dec 29, 2012 while "inspecting" a disputed border zone near Sa Kaeo's Ban Nongchan area.

Veera, who had previously been deported from Cambodia for illegal entry, was sentenced to eight years in prison and Ratree to six years.

Earlier, Cambodia refused to consider Thailand's request to pardon them because the pair must have served at least two thirds of their imprisonment before becoming eligible for a pardon.


Veera Somkwamkid, right, and his assistant, Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, sit in a room of Cambodia's Appeal Court in Phnom Penh on Dec 28, 2011. (© 2011 Mai Vireak/AP)

Confidential diplomacy lauded by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

Surapong lauds 'confidential diplomacy'

• Published: 15 Jan 2013 at 12.06
• Online news:

Cambodia has confirmed it will release a high-level Thai prisoner on Feb 1, and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul credited "confidential diplomacy" with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for the gesture.


The Cambodian foreign ministry announced last week that Ratree and Veera would have their prison sentences cut. (File photo)

Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, convicted in 2010 of espionage and illegal entry to Cambodia, will be released on Feb 1, some six years ahead of the end of her formal sentence.

Ratree was secretary to Veera Somkwamkid, head of the self-styled Thai Patriots' Network. Both were arrested when they crossed the Thai border into Banteay Meanchey province on Dec 29, 2010.

Cambodia was clear that their trial and eight-year prison sentences were because of their political views that Cambodia is encroaching on Thai territory.

Under the deal worked out in the "confidential diplomacy", Veera is serve a short amount of time after Ratree's release - and then will also be freed.

MCOT news online quoted Mr Surapong as saying he was in touch with Ratree's family to see if they wished to travel to Cambodia for the release.

Ratree will be taken to the Thai embassy on Feb 1, where diplomats will formally accept her release, said the minister.

^ Confidential diplomacy....is that different from normal diplomacy then?

How to turn a farce in to a triumph....?

BERNAMA - Thai Activist Detained In Cambodia To Be Freed Feb 1

Thai Activist Detained In Cambodia To Be Freed Feb 1

BANGKOK, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a Thai female political activist detained in neighbouring Cambodia, who has been granted a royal pardon from the Cambodian King, will be freed from the Prey Sar Prison on Feb 1, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

Thai Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Nattawut Pothisaro told journalists on Thursday that Ratree Pipattanapaiboon will be released at 9am (Cambodia's time) on Feb 1 and she will arrive at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 9pm (Thailand's time).

Officials from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Thai Citizen Protection Overseas and two Thai diplomatic staff are scheduled to leave for Cambodia Thursday evening to coordinate with the Cambodian side; while two family members will reportedly fly to Cambodia on Friday morning to receive Ratree.

Ratree and a Thai male political activist, Veera Somkwamkid, have been jailed in the Prey Sar Prison on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, on charges of illegal entry and espionage. The Thai government says it will keep seeking a royal pardon for Veera as well.

-- BERNAMA


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สำนัà¸�ข่่าวà¹�ห่งชาภ•à¸´ : Cambodia to free Ratree on Feb 1


Cambodia to free Ratree on Feb 1



Date : 31 มกราคม 2556 BANGKOK, 31 January 2013 (NNT) - Thai activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon will be released from Cambodian prison on February 1 after having been arrested near the disputed border zone in 2010.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Manasvi Srisodapol said relatives of Ms Ratree are scheduled to collect her from Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison on Friday morning. It has not been made clear if the activist and her family will make an immediate return to Bangkok.

Ms Ratree was sentenced to six years in Cambodian prison on charges of espionage and illegal entry while her fellow activist Veera Somkwamkid was sentenced to eight years.

Nevertheless, Cambodia recently granted Ms Ratree and Mr Veera royal pardon and a reduced jail term respectively on the occasion of the royal cremation of late King Norodom Sihanouk. The cremation ceremony, which is scheduled for February 4, will be attended by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Freed activist Ratree arrives home - The Nation

Freed activist Ratree arrives home

The Nation February 2, 2013 1:00 am


Nationalist activist Ratree Pipattanapaibul arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday night, hours after being released from a Cambodian jail earlier in the day.

Her flight from Phnom Penh arrived at the airport at about 10 pm.

She was welcomed at the airport by her family and some 100 members of the Thai Patriots Network and Santi Asoke Buddhist sect. Many of them carried placards with messages welcoming her back to Thailand.

Ratree, imprisoned in Cambodia for trespassing in a military zone, had obtained pardon. In 2011, she was sentenced to six years in prison.

Veera Somkwamkid, head of the nationalist group who was arrested by the Cambodians along with Ratree, saw his eight years' imprisonment reduced by six months.

The pardon was granted to mark the cremation of late Cambodian king Norodom Sihanouk.

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Thai FM not confident if Veera Somkwamkid?s transfer from Cambodia possible | MCOT.net


Thai FM not confident if Veera Somkwamkid’s transfer from Cambodia possible

By Digital Media | 2 ก.พ. 2556 15:07

BANGKOK, Feb 2 - Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he is not confident that the transfer of a prisoner from Cambodia to Thailand is possible, but will continue negotiating with the neighbouring government on the case, following a request by a Thai activist who is now in Cambodian jail on charges of espionage and illegal entry.

Mr Surapong, also Deputy Prime Minister, made remarks following the royal pardon and the release of Thailand's Patriots Network activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon yesterday on the occasion of the cremation of the country’s former king Norodom Sihanouk.

Ms Ratree arrived Bangkok last night, while her fellow activist Veera Somkwamkid, the network coordinator, remains in Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh.

Mr Veera on Friday received a 6-month reduction of his jail term, leaving him to remain in jail for another five years. He insisted that he would not seek a royal pardon, instead he would ask for a transfer to serve the remainder of his jail term in Thailand.

Mr Surapong said he has to thank the Cambodian government for the royal pardon and the sentencing reduction for the two Thai activists.

For Mr Veera, he has to serve one thirds of jail term first before asking for the royal pardon, according to the Thai minister.

As Mr Veera said he prefers to serve his jail term in Thailand rather than seeking a royal pardon, Mr Surapong said he has to study whether or not this is possible, as Mr Veera case is related to Cambodia's national security, not other criminal cases like drugs charges or illegal entry.

The minister however pledged that he will negotiate with Cambodian authorities as much as possible.

The two Thai activists were arrested on Dec 29, 2010 by Cambodian authorities while inspecting a disputed area claimed by both countries. Both were accused of spying on Cambodia military facilities in Banteay Meanchey province.

Mr Veera received an eight year prison sentence, while Ms Ratree was handed a six year jail term for espionage and illegal entry. (MCOT online news)

Ratree: Pawn in a political game | Bangkok Post: news

Ratree: Pawn in a political game

• Published: 8 Feb 2013 at 00.51
• Online news: Politics

Thai Patriots Network activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon claims she and a fellow activist, detained in Cambodia for spying, were mere pawns in a political ploy.

She also claims she has been subject to intimidation in a bid to silence her criticism of the former Democrat government. Ratree made her remarks Thursday during a meeting with the Senate committee on human rights, liberty and consumer protection.

The committee was inquiring about living conditions inside the Prey Sar prison of Phnom Penh, where Ratree was held for more than two years.

She was released last Friday after being granted a royal pardon.

Fellow activist Veera Somkwamkid, who was arrested with Ratree and five other Thais on Dec 29, 2010, while inspecting a disputed border area near Sa Kaeo's Ban Nongchan, remains behind bars. He was sentenced to eight years. The term was commuted by six months.

Ratree told the committee she believed her pardon was politically motivated but said she was not aware of the bargaining that went on behind closed doors for it to be granted. She assumes it was the result of improved relations between the Yingluck Shinawatra government and Phnom Penh.

Had the pardon not been granted, she and Veera would have sought a transfer to a Thai prison, she said. Under a Thai-Cambodian prisoner transfer programme, any inmate who has served one-third of his sentence is eligible to be transferred to his native country to serve out the remainder of his term.

Ratree insisted the area where Cambodian soldiers arrested them was in Ban Nong Chan village of Khok Sung district of Thailand's Sa Kaeo province.

She also said the previous Democrat government failed to offer her proper assistance. She criticised the Democrats for failing to counter the Cambodian accusation that she was a spy.

She said a soldier had phoned a friend of hers, warning her off any plan to sue the government for dereliction of duty.

Ratree urged the government to quickly seek the transfer of Veera back to Thailand. She said he would prefer the transfer to a royal pardon.

^ Interesting and curious.....

Originally Posted by Ratree Pipattanapaiboon

mere pawns in a political ploy.

knock me down with a feather

Kasit says Democrats worked hard to free Veera and Ratree | Bangkok Post: news

Kasit says Democrats worked hard to free Veera and Ratree

• Published: 11 Feb 2013 at 00.00
• Newspaper section: News

Former foreign minister Kasit Piromya insisted his administration did its best to help secure the release of two Thai Patriots Network activists from Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh.

Mr Kasit was responding to activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon's claims before the Senate committee on human rights, liberty and consumer protection last Thursday that the previous Democrat government failed to offer proper assistance for securing her release.

Ms Ratree had also criticised the Democrats for failing to counter Cambodian accusations that she was a spy.

Ms Ratree was released from the prison on Feb 1 after receiving a royal pardon on the occasion of the funeral ceremony of Cambodia's former king Sihanouk.

Ms Ratree was arrested along with Veera Somkwamkid and five other Thais by Cambodian officials on Dec 29, 2010, while inspecting land disputed by the two countries near Ban Nong Chan village of Sa Kaeo' s Khok Sung district.

Veera and Ms Ratree were later sentenced to eight years and six years in jail, respectively, for illegally entering Cambodia and spying. The others were released earlier because they admitted to the charges.

Cambodia's Ministry of Justice has reduced Veera's jail term by six months.

Mr Kasit said the previous Democrat-led administration had instructed several security agencies to help Ms Ratree and Veera to the best of their abilities after the two were charged. Two lawyers were provided to help them fight their cases.

Mr Kasit said the foreign ministry helped their relatives visit them in jail.

He also rejected claims that former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban _ who was assigned to hold talks with his Cambodian counterpart Sok An on the disputed 4.6 sq km area near Preah Vihear temple and the disputed maritime zone in the Gulf of Thailand _ reaped personal benefits from the discussions.

He said the talks took place in Hong Kong but they were held in a transparent manner.

Cambodian authorities claimed in 2011 that Mr Suthep held secret talks with them about overlapping oil and gas interests.

Mr Kasit said the government should negotiate with Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen to solve border problems.


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Ratree asks gov't to seek transfer of Veera to Thai jail | MCOT.net




Ratree asks gov't to seek transfer of Veera to Thai jail

By Digital Media | 11 ก.พ. 2556 17:37

BANGKOK, Feb 11 – Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, the Thai woman political activist recently released from a Cambodian prison, today met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and discussed the possibility of transferring her fellow inmate Veera Somkwamkid from Cambodia to serve his remaining prison term in Thailand.

Ms Ratree and Mr Veera were arrested and imprisoned by Cambodian authorities for trespassing into the neighbouring country. Ms Ratree, however, insisted that the area where she stepped belongs to Thailand but was occupied by Cambodian troops.

Ms Ratree, released by a royal pardon by the Cambodian government ,expressed her appreciation to the prime minister for her assistance.

She was accompanied by several noted human rights figures including Prinya Sirisarakarn, Dr Kusol Prawitpaiboon and Piyanuch Thitipattana.

Ms Ratree asked the prime minister to help Mr Veera who she said has been deprived of his fundamental rights while in detention in Cambodia.

Ms Yingluck gave assurances that the government had not relented in seeking clemency for Mr Veera or his transfer to a Thai prison instead of being held by the Khmer authorities.

Ms Ratree said Mr Veera has served one-third of his jail term and was entitled to a transfer from the Cambodian prison. The prime minister said the government would try its best as it is the government’s responsibility to take care of every Thai citizen.

The activist reasserted her confidence that area where she and Mr Veera were arrested belongs to Thailand.

She said she was a political victim of the Cambodian government and that the previous Thai government failed to protect the rights of Thai people and Thai territory. (MCOT online news)

Govt gloomy on hopes for Veera transfer | Bangkok Post: news

Govt gloomy on hopes for Veera transfer

• Published: 12 Feb 2013 at 00.00
• Newspaper section: News

The prospects of Thai Patriots Network leader Veera Somkwamkid's speedy transfer from a Cambodian jail in which he is serving time for espionage look slim, the government believes.


Thai Patriots Network activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon meetsPrimeMinister Yingluck Shinawatra at GovernmentHouse to offer thanks for the government’s help in securing her freedom from a Cambodian prison. CHANAT KATANYU

Thai Patriots Network activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, pardoned and released from a Cambodian prison earlier this month, called on the prime minister yesterday to help seek Veera's transfer to Thailand to serve the rest of his sentence.

Veera was recently granted a six-month reduction in his jail term by Cambodian authorities, at the same time as Ratree, who served time at the same jail, was given her pardon.

The two were sentenced to eight and six years in jail respectively for illegal entry, espionage and entering a restricted military zone without permission on Dec 29, 2010.

Ms Ratree was pardoned and released after serving about two years of her sentence.

Cambodian authorities have granted Veera the right to be transferred to a prison in Thailand. He is eager to come home, Ms Ratree said after meeting Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House.

Ms Yingluck, meanwhile, said there were two options to help Veera, namely to request a further cut in his jail term and seek his transfer to a Thai prison.

Phnom Penh had told her previously it would have to determine again whether the offences Veera had committed would make him fit for these options, Ms Yingluck said.

As for the option of reducing the prison term further, Cambodia has told the government to wait for a special occasion in order to submit a new request.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen granted the pardon to Ms Ratree and reduced Veera's jail term by six months on the occasion of the royal funeral of former king Norodom Sihanouk.

All the government could do at the moment was help Veera's family visit him in Cambodia, Ms Yingluck said, adding the Thai ambassador to Cambodia was responsible for arranging the family's visits.

Ms Ratree said Veera's rights as a prisoner were violated in Cambodia.

She said Veera was not allowed to read a book or any form of written document while serving as an inmate.

Ms Ratree said she understood all prisoners are entitled to receive the right to read a book at least as a means of relieving stress while behind bars.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

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“good food and music”

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.nationmul...a-30237561.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-02

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

Veera comes home, hit by old charges
The Nation

Activist refuses to acknowledge accusations related to 2008 protests

BANGKOK: -- Nationalist yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid arrived in Bangkok yesterday after being released from a Cambodian jail on Tuesday thanks to a royal pardon and was welcomed by hundreds of his supporters at the airport chanting "Fight, fight Veera" and "Veera is a hero".

However, immediately upon arrival on Thai soil, the activist was charged with criminal and terrorism offences for his role in protests against the then-Thaksin Shinawatra government and the seizure of the capital's two airports the yellow-shirt protests in 2008.

His release on Tuesday came as a surprise during a meeting between Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen and acting Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Phnom Penh. Previously, Veera had refused to seek a royal pardon from Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanomi.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Veera refused to acknowledge the charges levied against him, saying he would only testify during court proceedings.

His lawyer Nitithorn Lamlua, who is also leader of a movement against the Yingluck Shinawatra government, signed the documents on Veera's behalf.

Veera and Nititorn later travelled to the Crime Suppression Division headquarters where Veera was granted a temporary release with a bail guarantee of Bt100,000. He had been charged with eight criminal offences for his role in leading the protests and the blockade of the airports.

He later travelled to a Santi Asoke sanctuary in eastern Bangkok, where he was expected rest on his first day back in Thailand, after serving three years, six months and two days in Cambodia's Prey Sar prison.

Accompanying Veera from Phnom Penh was his wife Phisamphai, while he was met at the airport by his mother and former Democrat Party MP Panich Wikitseth, who had also been arrested in 2010 before his jail term was suspended.

In a brief interview, Veera said he was not really too worried about the charges levied against him in Thailand, as he believes "he had done nothing wrong" during the protests. He said he would continue working on corruption-monitoring activities and that he had forgiven whoever had mistreated him.

Veera also thanked Sihasak for securing his release, adding that his health had improved.

He said he spent most of his time in prison giving advice on medicine and providing it to inmates, regardless of their nationality.

They came to him to ask for medication, because he had permission to acquire certain prescription drugs that were better than those provided by the prison's hospital.

Panich said he welcomed Veera's release, and would be collaborating with him on fighting corruption in the future.

Sihasak, meanwhile, said his ministry was drafting a letter to thank Hun Sen, which will be signed by junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Source: http://www.nationmul...s-30237630.html


-- The Nation 2014-07-03