Cambodia warned on handling of 'spy'

November 17, 2009
The Nation

Formal explanation of arrest sought; PM threatens cutback on financial aid

The Cabinet will today discuss ways to put the squeeze on Cambodia should the country not comply with international norms in its treatment of a Thai national arrested for allegedly spying for the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday threatened to take stronger action against Cambodia, including more cutbacks in financial assistance, should the country refuse to abide by the accepted standards.

Abhisit said the government would discuss possible action at today's Cabinet meeting when the entire Thai-Cambodian relations would come under review. He said he had been informed about a Thai national being arrested for "spying" in Cambodia.

The prime minister has told the Foreign Ministry to seek a formal explanation as to why Siwarak Chothipong, 31, a Thai national working for the Cambodia Air Traffic Service (CATS), had been arrested.

A Thai Embassy staff member was permitted to visit Siwarak yesterday afternoon, but Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said he had yet to receive a report of the outcome of the meeting.

"Today, we agreed to allow [the diplomat] to visit the man at 2pm in the prison where he is being temporarily detained," Cambodian foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said.

Siwarak's family is concerned about his detention, saying he has a heart condition and is on medication.

Thai-Cambodian relations went into a tailspin after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen appointed fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra as his economic adviser and gave him red-carpet treatment during a four-day visit last week.

Siwarak was accused of allegedly trying to steal information about Thaksin's flight schedule and giving it to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh.

Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to foreign minister, said the charges against Siwarak were politically motivated and the government "will not permit any of its citizens to be treated this way".

"We have requested the Cambodian government supply us with a formal explanation as to why Siwarak Chothipong was arrested," he said.

Bangkok was outraged by Thaksin's appointment and ties between the two governments went down to one of their lowest ebbs after Cambodia refused to extradite him.

Thailand and Cambodia recalled their respective ambassadors and Thaksin accused the Democrat-ruled government of "false patriotism" during an economic lecture last Thursday in Phnom Penh.