Control over CATS only temporary

BANGKOK, 21 November 2009 (NNT) – The Cambodian government announces that its control of Thai-owned company Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS) is only temporary. The Thai acting government spokesperson has confirmed the foreign ministry is accelerating its effort in assisting the detained Thai CATS engineer.

Phnom Penh said the temporary shut down of the company since last week was done for national security and aviation safety of Cambodia. The Cambodian government is deciding for how long it should control the CATS and whether the company’s aviation concession contract with Cambodia should be revoked.

Meanwhile, Acting Government Spokesperson Dr Panitan Wattanayakorn said the Thai government was trying hard to help the company, expressing his hope that Thai businesses in Cambodia would be protected by law.

The Thai engineer, Siwarak Chutiwong, is alleged of releasing a flight schedule of former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to a Thai diplomat in Cambodia.