The government has played down the political asylum status of a Thai activist in France, saying it will not make any move unless the activist takes part in activities that harm the country.
Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn yesterday said he had no comment on the case of former Thammasat University student Saran Chuichai, also known as Aum Neko, as long as she had not committed any wrongdoing.
"I have no comment [on her political asylum status], but if the activist makes movements that affect the country, we will protest via diplomatic channels," Gen Tanasak said.
Ms Aum was granted political asylum in France last June after she left Thailand when a lese majeste charge was lodged against her following the military coup.
"I chose to establish myself in France as I believed in the country's values, human rights and civil liberties, as well as equality," she said.
She said she had been threatened while in Thailand as well as charged for her refusal to report to the National Council for Peace and Order. A lese majeste suit was also lodged against her in 2013 but there was no arrest sought.
Two other Thai political exiles obtained political asylum in France following last year's coup. Former Thammasat lecturer Somsak Jeamteerasakul and red shirt protest leader Jaran Ditapichai both fled the country after charges under the lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, were brought against them.
Meanwhile, the French embassy in Thailand denied they were involved in the asylum-seeking procedure. A source said the exiles travelled to Europe through a third country, without knowledge of the embassy in Bangkok.
