Diplomatic row erupts in Bangkok

Diplomatic row erupts in Bangkok

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand has threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of seven North Korean Embassy staff members facing possible arrest over a bungled kidnapping of a runaway diplomat, officials said on Tuesday.

Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan also ordered North Korean agents here to immediately release the North Korean diplomat's son and again warned the scandal was severely damaging bilateral ties.

The scandal surfaced last month when North Korean Embassy counselor Hong Sun-kyong, 61, disappeared amid accusations he had stolen money intended to buy Thai rice for the famished Stalinist state.

A huge manhunt failed to find the man, his wife Pyo Yong Hui and 20-year-old son Hong Won Myong, but a mysterious car accident last week uncovered a suspected North Korean plot to kidnap the family.