Veera stuck in Cambodia | Bangkok Post: news

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Government talks to release Veera stall

Negotiations with Cambodia hit roadblock

Published: 3 Feb 2013 at 00.53
Online news: Local News

The government said Saturday it was not easy trying to secure the early release of Thai Patriots Network leader Veera Somkwamkid from a Cambodian jail through a prisoner exchange scheme.

"The government will explore all possible approaches and choose the appropriate one to secure his freedom," Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said.

He said Veera would have to complete two-thirds of his prison term to be eligible to apply for a royal pardon under Cambodian law.

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thailife69
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Discussion 10 : 03 Feb 2013 at 13.0710
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Thailand lacks an appropriate Cambodian to exchange, so just arrest one! TIT
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peterl
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Discussion 9 : 03 Feb 2013 at 12.319
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Difficult to have much sympathy for Veera as he IS a recalcitrant, repeat offender. Ms Ratree's statement, probably on behalf of Veera, that she thinks she did the right thing tells you all you need to know.
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bkposter
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Discussion 8 : 03 Feb 2013 at 10.518
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RE: D3 Oldrepairman, In fact he intentionally broke the law in an effort to be arrested and to create an international scene. He thought all of Thailand would be so outraged by his arrest and it would cause Cambodia to back down. But he got arrested, no one cared, and his own party could do nothing for him as they were at least "seen to be" an accomplice in the mess and were not on speaking terms with any of the neighbors and had already advocated war with Cambodia and were handicapped with a foreign minister lacking in any diplomatic skills at all. Veera is a victim of his parties own stupidity.
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oudom
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Discussion 7 : 03 Feb 2013 at 10.367
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Ratree still being naive by saying thank for the PAD for moral support, actually PAD had done absolutely nothing for her, beside instigating. she should thank to the PM YingLuck that got her out. all PAD leaders once got captured should lock them up for a long long time until the Preah Vihear Temple settle down in a peaceful means first before release them. such in Veera case prey sar is the best place for him to be at. the early release might cause instability along the border. for cursing and bad names calling it is not the unusual punishment.
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spiceman
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Discussion 6 : 03 Feb 2013 at 08.326
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If Veera can be released a few days before this up-coming election for Bangkok's Governor, it will seal the deal for PADs in favor of PTP.
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Contrarian
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Discussion 5 : 03 Feb 2013 at 08.145
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"............would lodge an appeal to be considered for an exchange programme to spend the remainder of his jail term in Thailand from the end of this month........"

Amazing how one needs to depend on a foreign Government to create the conditions for a PADite to be jailed in Thailand. Given the double standards thing, this would not happen in Thailand. Only UDD/Red Shirts are jailed here.
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boontong
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Discussion 4 : 03 Feb 2013 at 08.084
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The DEM sent him to prison, keep him in prison, could not do anything to help him, only talk, talk talk. A miracle if my post does not attract many dislikes.
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oldairman
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Discussion 3 : 03 Feb 2013 at 07.393
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I am happy for Ratree to be freed. She really wasn't to blame for what happened and deserves to be freed and get on with her life.
Veera deliberately led the party across and made an " illegal entry, espionage and entering a restricted military zone without permission".
Illegal entry and entering a restricted military zone without permission absolutely correct but espionage has to be a trumped up charge. Espionage is done secretly and sneakily without the other sides knowledge mfor gain. Veera couldn't have been more obvious unless he had brought a brass band with him.
He will be out AFTER Phrae Viharn (sp) has been settled.
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musashi
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Discussion 2 : 03 Feb 2013 at 05.012
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Ratree's statement yesterday that she did "the right thing" (trespassing) may be interpreted by the Cambodians that these 2 repeat offenders are recalcitrant and adversely affect Veera's release.

No matter how politically colorless, magnanimous, hardworking the PT govt are in helping to free their political opponents, nobody can do anything if the PAD followers want to behave like a moth - repeatedly trying to get itself burnt in a flame.

Hopefully they will think of their family and loved ones first, before risking their lives for thankless, ideologically confused, and irresponsible PAD leaders.
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facts_only
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Discussion 1 : 03 Feb 2013 at 04.161
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"Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut called on the government to speed up its efforts to help Veera." - above

"Prime Minster Yingluck Shinawatra should muzzle her foreign minister to stop him damaging Thai-Cambodian relations, Democrat spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut says." - BangkokPost, January 28, 2013
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