April 24, 2008
Bangkok - Thailand will ask its Malaysian counterpart whether Malaysia can return the two wanted men, according to Thai government’s spokesman.
Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will ask Malaysian premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the return of the two separatist leaders during a meeting today.
The wanted men, who often cross the border shared by the two countries, are believed to be in Malaysia, according to the Thai military.
Malaysian home minister Syed Hamid Albar said it is the matter for the police on both sides to discuss and decide on the issue.
"The (Malaysian) police would have to investigate and decide if they have done anything that is considered a crime in both countries before they can be extradited," he added.
Authorities in both countries have not revealed whether the two men, whose names have not been released, are being held in custody, according to AFP.
More than 3,000 people have been killed since unrest broke out in Thailand's far south in January 2004.
