Tensions [with Cambodia] ease as Thai envoys visit detainee

Diplomatic tensions between Thailand and Cambodia eased yesterday after Thai diplomats were allowed to visit the man being held in Phnom Penh on charges of spying. The suspect, Siwarak Chotipong, was also allowed to talk to his mother on the phone. He told her and Thai diplomats that he was being treated well.

Simarak na Nakhon Panom, a teacher at Nakhon Ratchasima Technical College, talked to her son for about five minutes. "He told me not to worry, that he's fine and that everything will end soon," she said.

The woman admitted that there were more questions on her mind but she had held them back for fear they could have complicated his case.

Siwarak, an engineer at Samart subsidiary Cambodia Air Traffic Services, was arrested last week for allegedly supplying information about Thaksin Shinawatra's flight schedule to the Thai Embassy.

The suspect's mother said she was happy after hearing her son's voice, adding she had endured sleepless nights over anxiety about his health.

Simarak hopes to visit him in prison soon. If she can't, she would convey a message that "I miss him so much and I know he will be strong enough to take care of himself", she said.

However, diplomatic tensions appeared to have eased yesterday with Bangkok deciding against taking any more retaliatory measures.

The weekly Cabinet meeting did not even touch upon the row.

Cooperation and joint projects could not be reviewed immediately as the government has to work out the implications on ties and the effects they would have on people both sides of the border, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanyagorn said.

Since Thailand has stopped retaliating at the diplomatic level, bilateral relations should improve, he said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva welcomed the diplomats' visit as a good sign. Abhisit also called the detainee's mother to promise that his government would provide her son with all the necessary assistance.

The Thai Embassy's charge d'affaires, Chalotorn Paowiboon, and four other officials met Siwarak for half an hour yesterday for the first time since he was arrested. He said he was fine and in good spirits.

November 18, 2009
By Jednipat Chansopeekul
Piyanart Srivalo
The Nation