PM insists Cambodia was spying

It also rejected Phnom Penh's accusation the spy claims are fabricated to justify aggression against Cambodia.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said Cambodian authorities had tried to contact Thailand to secure the release of the three men.

"It it is fabrication, why did Cambodia try to contact us for help in obtaining their release?" Mr Abhisit said.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti said a Cambodian consulate official had directly contacted Thai authorities with regard to the detained men.

Mr Abhisit said there were grounds to believe the three men were involved in alleged spying and that a number of documents were also seized from them. After police have finished an investigation, the Foreign Ministry will take up the matter based on their findings. Details of the alleged spying will soon be made public.

"The information is solid enough and will also be presented to the international community," the prime minister said.

He added the information should also be beneficial when Thailand makes its case in international forums over the border dispute with Cambodia.

Three men, a Thai, a Cambodian and a Vietnamese were arrested in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket on Tuesday evening carrying maps with military bases marked on them, according to police.The suspects have denied they were spying in the area.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jessada Katawethin yesterday said no legal action will be taken against the three men without clear evidence.

Police will forward their findings to the prosecution, which will then consider whether to submit the case to the court.

Mr Jessada said if and when the case goes to court, the three men can appoint their own lawyers.

Authorities from the Vietnamese and Cambodian embassies can visit the three men according to international practices.

Bangkok Post