People's Alliance Suggests Conflict between Defense, Foreign Ministries

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People's Alliance Suggests Conflict between Defense, Foreign Ministries

UPDATE : 5 April 2011

The People's Alliance for Democracy comments that the detention of two Thai activists in Cambodia is being used as a political ploy by the Cambodian government, which wants former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to benefit.
The group also points to a possible conflict between the Defense and Foreign ministries concerning the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, spokesman Parnthep Puapongpan commented that the Thai government could have done more to pressure Cambodia to release two jailed Thais, Weera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, through economic and military means.
He noted that he understands the struggle the families of the two are going through to try to secure their release, including going to the opposition Pheu Thai Party and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra for help.

Parnthep also said the comment by Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan that the Thai-Cambodian General Border Committee, or GBC, meeting should not be held in Indonesia and should not include foreign observers conflicts with the policy of the Foreign Ministry which welcomed Indonesian troops to observe the Thai-Cambodian border area.
Meanwhile, PAD coordinator Prapan Khoonmee said Weera and Ratree's detention is becoming a political ploy for the Cambodian government to help Thaksin by having him negotiate their release in return for benefits.
Praphan said the government should not proceed with any meeting with Cambodia at this time as it is about to leave office but should hand over the issue to the next government.
He said the PAD will continue with its protest as long as there is no clarity on the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.

TAN Network