Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul will fly to Cambodia

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul will fly to Cambodia to help two Thai people now detained in Prey Sar prison and discuss natural resource management in the Thai-Cambodian disputed zone.

Mr Surapong told the press that he will go to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday when Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Theerakun Niyom will present him with details of responsibilities and problems facing the ministry. He affirmed that as the Foreign Minister, he is obliged to help Thais who are suffering abroad.

The two Thais now detained in Prey Sar prison are Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon. They were sentenced to eight and six years in prison respectively for illegal entry, trespassing into military zone and espionage.

Asked if he will discuss the two Thais’ imprisonment with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen or not upon his official visit to the neighbouring nation, the minister responded that he will do so and all issues will be prioritised according to their importance.

Mr Surapong added that he will also meet with his counterpart Hor Namhong on issues of mutual benefits, especially on natural resources in the disputed zone. He reiterated that as neighbors, both sides can share benefits together.