Sivarak's info 'could destabilise govt'

7/12/2009
Bangkok Post

Accused Thai spy Sivarak Chutipong could reveal information that will destabilise the government when he eventually returns to Thailand from Cambodia, Puea Thai MP for Kanchanaburi province Ma Phongam said on Monday.

Mr Sivarak, 31, an employee of Thai-owned Cambodia Air Traffic Services (CATS), was arrested on Nov 12 on charges of stealing sensitive state information, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's flight plan when he visited Phnom Pehn, and passing it to a Thai diplomat.

The Cambodian court will give its verdict on the case on Tuesday. Mr Sivarak, who is detained in Prey Sar prison, could receive up to 15 years in jail if convicted."The case is over if the court finds Mr Sivarak innocent.

But if he is guilty, a royal pardon will be sought and it would be up to the Cambodian king," Mr Ma said.

The opposition MP said former prime minister and party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh wanted to help out because he had close ties with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen. He pointed out that the Cambodian government had denounced Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"This case does not need Thaksin's help. Gen Chavalit can handle this," he said.

He repeated claims the party was not indulging political one-upmanship by helping Mr Sivarak, but was intent on helping a Thai in trouble.

"Let's wait until Mr Sivarak returns. The things he'll say will, I believe, affect the government's stability because he is the victim," Mr Ma said.