[Thai] Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gives Explanation on the Arrest of nationals of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in Kantaralak District

June 13, 2011, 4:30 pm
Source: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/35.php?id=27540

On 12 June 2011, Mr. Jesda Katavatin, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to media enquiries regarding the arrest of 3 suspects with Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese nationality in Kantaralak district on 7 June 2011. Gist as follows;

1. At present, the Thai police are in the process of investigating the case. One thing that can be assured to the general public is that the police will not pursue any legal actions if there aren’t sufficient evidence.

2. Thailand’s legal procedures are firmly based on the Thai judicial process. After the police investigation, they may submit a case to the Office of the Attorney-General and then the latter will submit charges to the court for consideration. The Deputy Spokesperson further stated that the Thai court is well known for its credibility, honesty and professionalism. Moreover, they are not subject to political influence.

3. Once charges are submitted to the court for consideration, the defendants are afforded the right to an attorney to fight the charges as per the norms of any open society with an impartial justice system. In this connection, the Embassies of Vietnam and Cambodia to Thailand can have consular access to their respective nationals in accordance with the international practices.

4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that Thailand has been fully transparent in moving forward with the legal procedures of this case. In addition, Thailand has never made any allegations against the suspects by fabrication of false evidence. The Deputy Spokesperson also reiterated that Thailand has always been fully committed to building good relations with every country especially its neighbours.