![]() They seemed to be quite upset that I didn't want to return to Thailand and nervous that this might damage their tourism." "I think that started to pressure them in Thailand. She says it was only after the Australian media gave her case so much coverage that Thai authorities appeared to want a quick resolution. "They told me that pleading guilty would get me out that day and pleading not guilty would have me stay there for another few months." Ms Smoel says she realised that pleading guilty was her only way out. They're not going to come and change their mind now." 'Only way out' "It wasn't really until I got on the plane in Bangkok that I felt, okay, this is happening. "I didn't receive my passport until the moment I walked through security at Phuket airport. "We spent the next four hours driving around, going to police stations and immigration and then to airports," she said. #Office chat first coast news free#Ms Smoel today said it took several hours for her to feel free following her release. Writer Harry Nicolaides was imprisoned last year for breaking Thailand's lesse majesti laws, by offending the King of Thailand. Ms Smoel is the second Australian to be released from a Thai prison this year. "Hopefully that amends things and the relationship between Thailand and Victoria and Thailand and Australia is now repaired." Repairing relations "The action that the Governor has taken is the appropriate action," he said. However Mr Brumby says he hopes the relationship between the two countries will be repaired. "To be honest, that message did get through to the Thai authorities and they saw common sense and that this was a trivial matter, that there'd been an over reaction and that a woman's rights had been gravely infringed," he said. Mr Brumby, meanwhile, says the Thai authorities "gravely" infringed Ms Smoel's human rights when they charged and jailed her. "And I would say to the family concerned, that we're pleased that the little ones have that anxiety removed." "And they've done a very good job, and I congratulate them. ![]() ![]() ![]() "Helping the family, helping the individual, and negotiating quietly with the Thai authorities to make sure that this can be dealt with," Mr Rudd said. Mr Rudd said the Department of Foreign Affairs did a lot of work behind the scenes to secure her release. She was released late yesterday after pleading guilty to stealing a bar mat almost three weeks ago.Ī Thai court suspended her six-month jail sentence after the Governor of Phuket paid her $38 fine. Ms Smoel, 36, was greeted with hugs and cheers by her four daughters and other relatives when she arrived at Melbourne Airport this afternoon. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the Government worked hard to help secure the release of Victorian woman Annice Smoel, who spent time in a Thai prison after being accused of stealing a bar mat.Īt the same time, Victorian Premier John Brumby has accused Thai authorities of overreacting in the case. ![]()
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