Bahrain Mirror: Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has confirmed that he had met with Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to discuss the release of Bahraini football player Hakeem Al-Araibi.

Media outlets reported that the Bahraini CP told the Thai FM that he was aware that Thailand did not benefit from the arrest of Al-Araibi, and he did not wish to see Thailand being criticized, under pressure and treated unfairly.

"Thailand has the right to send Al-Araibi to any country, including Australia, but Bahrain will reserve the right to continue to request the extradition of Al-Araibi," Salman bin Hamad told the minister, according to Don.

The minister said that he was told that Bahrain did not want the issue to continue, especially since Thailand was preparing for an important event, the coronation of the new king. The FM also said Bahraini Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman had visited him at the hotel, stressing his country's efforts to help Thailand.

Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reiterated on Tuesday his call to stop criticism regarding the arrest of Al-Araibi after he has been released and returned to Australia. He also thanked Bahrain for taking into consideration its "special relationship" with Thailand, which led to the release of the football player, he claimed.

"In light of our excellent relations, Bahrain wanted Thailand, which has gained nothing from this conflict, not to remain under more pressure.We would like to thank Bahrain, which has special relations with us on all levels including the royal family, for helping solve this problem smoothly," he said.

The Thai PM revealed that his country's king called on the government to deal with this problem.

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