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[Sexpat]

"Bringing convicted one-time deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame back from Cambodia could be difficult because his offences were committed before Bangkok and Phnom Penh had an extradition treaty.
Pol Gen Jongrak Juthanont said the Thailand and Cambodia extradition treaty came into force on April 1, 2001.

Vatana was convicted in his absence on Monday of corruption in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project, with the offences occurring between Aug 10, 1988, and Feb 23, 1991, and between April 12, 1992, and June 15, 1995.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced him to 10 years in jail.
The former Samut Prakan MP had jumped bail and was thought to be hiding in Cambodia.

The national police chief said because the treaty took effect after the offences were committed, this could be a basis for contesting the extradition application. ''Vatana has done business and invested in Cambodia for such a long time that he enjoys close ties with politicians and businessmen there,'' Pol Gen Jongrak said.

''Negotiations for his extradition are expected to be difficult.''

Police would ask that the Office of the Attorney-General explore other avenues to negotiate with Cambodia for getting Vatana back. The Supreme Court also issued a warrant for Vatana's arrest with a validity of 15 years under the statute of limitations.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/200808_News/20Aug2008_news15.php