Cambodia begins trial of Thais for illegal entry

via CAAI

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The trial of five Thais arrested in a high-profile case for illegally crossing the border into Cambodia has started.

Dozens of police officers guarded surrounding streets in the capital of Phnom Penh as the five arrived at court Friday. One defendant is a member of Parliament.

They went to the border in connection with Thai nationalists' claims that Cambodia is encroaching on Thai territory.

They were arrested on Dec. 29 after allegedly crossing into northwestern Banteay Meanchey province. The charges of illegal entry and trespassing in a military zone carry a penalty of up to one year in jail.

Two others charged with spying as well are scheduled to be tried Feb. 1. They belong to a political pressure group, the Thailand Patriot Network.