Mother of detained Thai visits son in Phnom Penh

BANGKOK, Dec2 (TNA) – The mother of a Thai engineer detained in Cambodia left Thailand Wednesday to see her son in a Phnom Penh jail for the second time, with her trip being facilitated and paid for by the opposition Puea Thai Party, allied to fugitive ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra

Simarak Na Nakhon Panom and Pongsuree Chutipong, mother and brother of 31-year-old Siwarak Chutipong, left Suvarnabhumi Airport early Wednesday. The family members were seen off by Prompong Nopaparit, spokesman of the Puea Thai Party.

Mrs Simarak said that she has no hidden agenda in seeking help from the Puea Thai Party, but she said she is impatient and reluctant to disturb the government further on her family matter.

She said she must use all means which could help her meet her son, regardless of whether help would come from the government or the opposition, but she denied the accusation that her family matter is linked to political issues.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will pay bail costing between Bt50,000-200,000 this Friday," said Siwarak's mother.

Mrs Simarak said she will stay the night in Phnom Penh and bring personal items to her son, and she will return to Cambodia again on Monday as the court ruling is scheduled on the following day.

"The last time I met him, he looked shabby and weary," said Mrs Simarak. "He asked me to bring him sleeping pills but I could not do that."

Mr Siwarak, employed by Thai-owned Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested by Cambodian police November 12 on charges of passing to Thai diplomats information on the flight details of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin for his recent visit. The Khmer authorities considered the information as privileged and as affecting the stability of the state.

While seeing off the mother and brother, the Puea Thai spokesman said that he was not going to Phnom Penh with them as he is afraid that the matter will become a "game of politics".

Mr Prompong said that his party Mrs Simarak asked for its help, adding that Thaksin legal adviser Noppadon Pattama coordinated Mrs Simarak’s second visit and sponsored all expenses.

He said Mr Siwarak’s mother and brother are scheduled to return to Bangkok Thursday evening, but they may postpone their return flight as they want to witness the bail request procedure of the Thai Foreign Ministry scheduled for Friday.

"The influence of Mr Thaksin helped facilitate the matter," said Mr Prompong. "Puea Thai Party chairman Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is also ready to help by asking for amnesty for Mr Siwarak if he is convicted.