5/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen might have had ulterior motives for being so tough against the seven Thais who were arrested by Cambodian authorities for allegedly trespassing into Cambodia. The arrested include Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth, a former vice minister for foreign affairs who is now a member of the House committee on boundary affairs, and well-known political activist Veera Somkwamkid.
The seven Thais were arrested last Wednesday near the border in Sa Kaeo, which is opposite the Cambodian town of Banteay Meanchay. They were taken to Phnom Penh and detained in a central prison there pending trial. If found guilty of illegal entry, the seven Thais may face up to 18 months in jail.
The accused have only themselves to blame for not having contacted the Thai army or the Border Patrol Police, who could have provided a team of soldiers or BPP personnel to accompany them into the disputed area. Both Thailand and Cambodia claim sovereignty over this portion of the border.
Nonetheless, I think the Cambodian soldiers were wrong in taking Mr Panich and his companions into custody. They may have been instructed to do so by a higher authority.
I suspect Hun Sen is using this incident to bargain for something from Thailand in return for freedom for the seven men. The Cambodian leader is well aware that his Thai counterpart, Abhisit Vejjajiva, will do anything to secure the release of Mr Panich. He cannot let his fellow party MP languish in jail. I hope PM Abhisit will not let Hun Sen take advantage of Thailand over this pol itically sensitive issue.
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