Laos: Prisoners

Tom Levitt
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make further representations to the Lao government about the welfare and political status of the prisoners Thao Mua, Pa Fue Khang, Thonpaseuth Keuakoun, Seng-Aloun Phengphanh and Bouavanh Chanhmanivong.

Mr. Ivan Lewis
Our embassy in Bangkok, which is accredited to Laos, asked the Lao authorities on 15 May 2009 and again on 21 May 2009 for an update on the current situation of these prisoners. The Lao authorities have however responded saying that they are unable to provide any additional information to that supplied in 2008 concerning these men.

We will continue to raise our concerns with the relevant Lao authorities whenever the opportunity arises.