Five Thais charged with trespassing to appear before Cambodian court today
BANGKOK, Jan 21 - Five Thai nationals, including a ruling Democrat party member of parliament, charged with trespassing on Cambodian territory last month, are scheduled to appear before a Cambodian court Friday at 2pm after they asked the court to review the date for delivering its verdict, according to a secretary to Thai Foreign Minister.
The Cambodian court had earlier reportedly set the date to deliver the verdict for the seven on Feb 1.
Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said the ministry has been notified that the court summoned five Thais--but not Veera Somkwamkid, coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, who is the only person still being held in Prey Sar Prison and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, Mr Veera's secretary.
Both of them were charged with espionage on top of the trespassing charge.
Mr Chavanond said the five--Panich Vikitsreth, the Democrat MP, Naruemol Chitwaratana, 2nd Lt Samdin Lertbutr, Tainae Mungmajon, and Kitchaponthorn Chusanasevi--petitioned the court to review the verdict delivery date Friday morning and then they were summoned to appear before the court.
Mr Veera and Ms Ratree did not submit requests to change the verdict date.
However, Mr Chavanond said, it remained unclear whether the court wanted the five at the court for an additional hearing or to hand down a verdict.
He said whatever the verdict will be, the government was unworried as the ministry had prepared various options for its response. He also affirmed that the government will provide necessary assistance to all the Thais on an equal basis.
Regarding Mr Veera and Ms Ratee who did not join the group to submit the request to review the verdict date, Mr Chavanond said, the Feb 1 trial date is likely to remain unchanged.
He also assured that the ministry would provide full assistance including a bail application, legal help to fight the charges and the well-beings for both.
The seven were arrested Dec 29 by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry in! to Bante ay Meanchey province.
They faced two initial charges -- illegal entry into the Cambodian kingdom, with possible punishment of three to six months jail and deportation, and also trespass on a Cambodian military zone, punishable by three to six months jail and Bt7,500-15,000 in fines, while the spying charges could result in five to 10 year imprisonment. (MCOT online news)
The Cambodian court had earlier reportedly set the date to deliver the verdict for the seven on Feb 1.
Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said the ministry has been notified that the court summoned five Thais--but not Veera Somkwamkid, coordinator of the Thai Patriots Network, who is the only person still being held in Prey Sar Prison and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, Mr Veera's secretary.
Both of them were charged with espionage on top of the trespassing charge.
Mr Chavanond said the five--Panich Vikitsreth, the Democrat MP, Naruemol Chitwaratana, 2nd Lt Samdin Lertbutr, Tainae Mungmajon, and Kitchaponthorn Chusanasevi--petitioned the court to review the verdict delivery date Friday morning and then they were summoned to appear before the court.
Mr Veera and Ms Ratree did not submit requests to change the verdict date.
However, Mr Chavanond said, it remained unclear whether the court wanted the five at the court for an additional hearing or to hand down a verdict.
He said whatever the verdict will be, the government was unworried as the ministry had prepared various options for its response. He also affirmed that the government will provide necessary assistance to all the Thais on an equal basis.
Regarding Mr Veera and Ms Ratee who did not join the group to submit the request to review the verdict date, Mr Chavanond said, the Feb 1 trial date is likely to remain unchanged.
He also assured that the ministry would provide full assistance including a bail application, legal help to fight the charges and the well-beings for both.
The seven were arrested Dec 29 by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry in! to Bante ay Meanchey province.
They faced two initial charges -- illegal entry into the Cambodian kingdom, with possible punishment of three to six months jail and deportation, and also trespass on a Cambodian military zone, punishable by three to six months jail and Bt7,500-15,000 in fines, while the spying charges could result in five to 10 year imprisonment. (MCOT online news)
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