Spy Scandal

ATHAI national convicted of spying in Phnom Penh Municipal Court this week has decided not to appeal the ruling and will instead seek a Royal pardon, his attorney confirmed on Thursday, as delegates from the opposition Puea Thai party planned a visit to Cambodia to expedite their countryman’s release. “We have decided not to lodge an appeal, and we are discussions about seeking a Royal pardon, but we have not yet made an official request,” said Khieu Sambo, defence attorney for Sivarak Chutipong. Sivarak, a 31-year-old Thai engineer, was arrested in Phnom Penh on November 12 for leaking the flight schedule of Thaksin Shinawatra during the fugitive former Thai premier’s visit to Cambodia. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 10 million riels (US$2,402) on Tuesday. A source close to the Puea Thai leadership said Thursday that a party delegation “most likely” including Puea Thai chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and members of parliament, will be traveling to Cambodia next week to advocate on Sivarak’s behalf.