Thailand supports Ranariddh's return

Thailand supports Ranariddh's return

BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand wants ousted Cambodian premier Prince Norodom Ranariddh to return home to contest polls planned for July, the prince said after a meeting with Thai premier Chuan Leekpai.

"Thailand fully supports my idea and my desire to return home," he said, refusing to stipulate when he would go back to Phnom Penh, except to say it would be "as early as possible."

The prince, who is exiled in Bangkok, emerged from the long- awaited meeting saying he would go back despite the threat of arrest and trial made by his rival, strongman Hun Sen.

Government spokesman Akapol Sorsuchart confirmed after the 30- minute meeting that Bangkok supported the imminent return of the prince who was toppled by rival co-premier Hun Sen seven months ago.