Thailand: Prisoners
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Written answers and statements, 27 October 2009
Paul Keetch (Hereford, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
(1) Affairs what discussions he has had with the government of Thailand on the trial of Utain Dungnoi for the murder of Richard Collins;
(2) whether he has made representations to the Government of Thailand on the release of Utain Dungnoi on bail pending appeal; and if he will make a statement.
Ivan Lewis (Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs), Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Bury South, Labour)
Our officials at our Embassy in Bangkok have passed on a letter from Yvonne Hart, Richard Collins' mother, outlining her concerns about the ongoing process.
However, as the hon. Member knows, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office cannot interfere in the Thai legal system, just as we would not allow a foreign state's interference in British legal proceedings.