Cambodian opposition angered at Thai spy's pardon
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Updated December 14, 2009 20:49:13
Cambodia's opposition has accused the government of undermining the
country's monarch and of meddling in Thai politics, after the spying
conviction
of a Thai man was overturned. Last week a 31-year-old Thai national was
jailed for seven years for tipping off Phnom Penh's Thai embassy about the
former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's visit to Cambodia. Three days
later the Cambodian king granted Siwarak Chothipong a royal pardon - a move
that's outraged the opposition.
Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speakers: Siwarak Chothipong, released Thai citizen; Koy Kuorn, spokesman,
Cambodian Foreign Ministry; Son Chhay, opposition politician
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COCHRANE: It was a swift and sweet release for Thai national Siwarak
Chothipong.
SIWARAK CHOTHIPONG: I feel very happy that I have the freedom again.
REPORTER: Did you say anything to Premier Hun Sen?'
SIWARAK CHOTHIPONG: Yes, I really appreciate his [Hun Sen's] kindness and
help me and let me go out. And I very very appreciate for the kindness of
your highness, his majesty of the kingdom of Cambodia that have given me a
chance to go back home."
COCHRANE: Koy Kuorn, spokesman for Cambodia's Foreign Ministry, says the
Thai man is a small player in a wider game.
KOY KUORN: The former Thai spy is the victim of the Thai embassy in Phnom
Penh, because he was ordered by the Thai embassy to do the espionage. And
normally embassy receives the order from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or
the government.
COCHRANE: Koy Kuorn denied there was political pressure to have the man
released.
KOY KUORN: This is the right of the King, the King grant the royal pardon
to him.
COCHRANE: But Son Chhay, a member of parliament for the opposition Sam
Rainsy Party, called it "strange" that while previous requests for royal
pardons have taken months or years, this politically sensitive one was granted
within a week.
SON CHHAY: I think the King has no say. He only did what the Prime
Minister want him to do.
COCHRANE: The spokesman for the Ministry of Foriegn Affairs said this case
did receive some special treatment - in that not all prisoners receive
their official letters of pardon at the home of the Prime Minister.
KOY KUORN: It's just only occasional, just occasional - like this case.
COCHRANE: It's a case which has added to the already strained diplomatic
relationship between Cambodia and Thailand. In 2003, rioters burned down the
Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, and this year saw sporadic clashes around the
Preah Vihear temple on their shared border. So last month, when Cambodia
made Thaksin Shinawatra an official economic advisor, Thailand withdrew its
ambassador and Cambodia followed suit.
The spokesman for Cambodia's Foriegn Affairs Ministry says Thaksin did not
request the pardon, that came from the Pheu Thai party, the successor to
Mr Thaksin's now banned political party. Koy Kuorn played down the effect
the spy case might have on diplomatic relations.
KOY KUORN: It's just not relevant to each other. It's just one case, and
the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand is another case.
COCHRANE: However, opposition politician Son Chhay says the royal pardon
and Mr Thaksin's visit suggests Prime Minister Hun Sen is betting that
supporters of the ousted Mr Thaksin will one day reclaim power.
SON CHHAY: So we should not put our hands so deep into the affair of the
other nation, especially the neighbouring nation.
COCHRANE: A spokesman for the Thai government has told media a new
extradition request will be lodged but Koy Kuorn says it will be a waste of
time,
with Cambodia continuing to offer a safe port for Thailand's most wanted
man.
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