Bangkok: Sihasak has ordered the Thai ambassador to investigate the mysterious deaths of Thais in Cambodia, stating that funds are available to repatriate bodies and provide care for all cases, even those who entered the country illegally. He plans to drag Cambodians to the Geneva stage to confront them.
According to Thai News Agency, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, in an interview regarding the deaths of several Thais in Cambodia, stated that he had received reports of the latest cases and was instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate. However, the Ministry already has a budget to cover compensation for the repatriation of bodies to Thailand.
When asked about the investigation into the cause of death, some of whom jumped from buildings and others were beaten, Mr. Sihasak said he would coordinate with the Thai Embassy in Cambodia to investigate these causes. He admitted that some Thais did not enter through the normal channels but illegally entered, but are still considered Thais. When someone dies, we have a duty to take care of them, which is currently being investigated.
When asked if a survey had been conducted to determine the current number of Thais in Cambodia, Mr. Sihasak stated that most Thais who enter legally are business investors and those who work legally. However, he did not yet have a figure for illegal immigrants. However, he said that anyone who encounters these problems would be assisted.
Regarding the possibility of traveling to Japan to lodge a complaint about anti-personnel landmines, Mr. Sihasak stated that it is not necessary, as there will be a meeting of state parties in Geneva. If they want to go, they should go to Geneva, as it is a meeting of all state parties where compliance with the Convention will be discussed. Japan has already sent a letter to them.
When asked if the guards should be more proactive after the notice is issued, Mr. Sihasak said that proactive means going there directly.
As for whether an invitation will be issued, Mr. Sihasak stated that the proposed process may actually be a decision on whether to send a team to investigate, but Thailand must travel to Geneva to present its story of how it has been violated.