Thaksin offers to mediate with Cambodia in row over Thai seven [-Adding insult to injuries?]

9/01/2011
Prasit Tangprasert
Bangkok Post

NAKHON RATCHASIMA : Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has offered to help the seven Thai detainees in Cambodia if called upon, Puea Thai MP for Lop Buri Suchart Lainamngern said.

"He wants the government to handle the issue first.

"But if anyone requires help, he is willing to lend a hand," Mr Suchart said, adding that he returned from visiting Thaksin in Dubai on Thursday.

The former prime minister is happy to mediate if need be, said Mr Suchart.

The seven Thais, including Democrat MP for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth and coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network Veera Somkwamkid, were arrested by Cambodian soldiers during a border inspection in Sa Kaeo on Dec 29.

The seven have been charged with illegal entry into Cambodia and encroaching on a restricted military area.

Meanwhile, 2nd Army Region chief Thawatchai Samutsakhon said the army has not reinforced troops near Ta Muen Thom sanctuary in Surin's Phanom Dong Rak district despite border tension triggered by the arrests.

He said the situation around Ta Muen Thom ruins is normal and the historic site remains open to visitors from both countries.

Concerns about border tensions have been raised because the Ta Muen Thom ruins also sit on one of the disputed areas between Thailand and Cambodia.

Lt Gen Thawatchai said the arrests of the Thais is not likely to trigger violence and authorities will wait for the outcome of the court case before taking appropriate actions.

The 2nd Army chief yesterday also urged people critical of the government's handling of the border issue to keep an open mind.

Media outlets should treat Cambodia with respect when reporting the issue to avoid causing hard feelings, he said.