Vic: Australian author sentenced to jail over Thai royal =3D4
19 Jan 2009 7:24 PM
Speaking before the sentencing, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Nicolaides had continued to receive consular assistance from Australian officials.
Mr Smith said he had indicated the case was of interest to his Thai counterpart but Australia had to respect the judicial processes of Thailand.
"The point is this - it is an offence under Thai law and Australia respects Thai laws and we respect the fact that one of our citizens is going through a legal and judicial process.
"Again I underline and make the point that when Australians travel overseas they are bound by the laws of the country in which they travel.
"And when a person is charged with a criminal offence, whatever the view might be about that offence ... there is a limit to our capacity to help," Mr Smith told reporters in Perth.
