On 10 January 2013, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave an interview with the press during his official visit to Pakistan on the Royal Pardon and reduction in the duration of imprisonment for two Thai nationals imprisoned in Cambodia.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that he has been informally told by Cambodia that, on the occasion of the Royal Cremation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah NORODOM SIHANOUK, the Late King Father of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Ms. Ratri Pipattanapaiboon will receive a Royal Pardon and be released from prison, in effect 1 February 2013, and Mr. Veera Somkwamkid will have his duration of imprisonment reduced by 6 months, which will later be announced officially by Cambodia.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister stated further that the Thai government, and particularly Prime Minister Yingluck, has made continuous efforts in assisting both Thai nationals, which include requesting the Cambodian side to consider the option of pardoning, therefore, the Thai government would like to thank Cambodia for answering the request of the Thai side.

-----------------------------------------------------------