Saudi Recalls Envoy 'Over NLA Seat'

Bangkok Post
August 22, 2014
Writers: Achara Ashayagachat & Thanida Tansubhapol

Saudi Arabia has recalled its most senior diplomat to Thailand after learning the brother of a key suspect in the 1990 murder of Saudi businessman Mohammed al-Ruwaili would be appointed to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), a Saudi embassy source says.

Abdalelah Alsheaiby, the Saudi embassy's charge d'affaires, was recalled five days before the NLA appointees were announced on July 31, the source said.

Gen Somjate Boonthanom, a former senator and brother of Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom, a defendant in the case, was named as one of the 197 NLA members.

"Riyadh has called [Mr Alsheaiby] back for consultations," the source said.

He said he was not certain when Mr Alsheaiby would return and there was no downgrading of diplomatic ties since no embassy staff were withdrawn.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Thursday that Saudi Arabia had not indicated it would further downgrade relations with Thailand. Mr Alsheaiby's recall was probably for consultations, he said.

However, Mr Alsheaiby had suggested that ties between the two countries could deteriorate following the Criminal Court's March 31 acquittal of five former police officers accused of the kidnapping and murder of the Saudi businessman in 1990.

Mr Ruwaili went missing in Bangkok on Feb 12, 1990, and is presumed dead.

Prosecutors and Mr Ruwaili's family filed an appeal in late June against the acquittal of the five ex-policemen.

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