BANGKOK - An 18-year-old Saudi girl has been allowed to be temporarily staying in Thailand for a period of time before she leaves for a third country, according to a police general.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn confirmed that Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun can legally stay in Thailand for a period of time during which the young woman is seeking refuge in a third country with the help of the Bangkok branch of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The period of time for al-Qunun to stay in Thailand is yet to be specified in the next five days, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate said.

The Immigration Bureau commissioner denied that al-Qunun has been faced with illegal entry or overstaying charges.

He assured that the Saudi girl will be given protection and safety by authorities during her stay in this country.

She had fled her Middle Eastern country where she was feared to have been otherwise compelled into getting married.