Seven Thais To Be Questioned by Courts This Week

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Tuesday, 04 January 2011

via CAAI

Photo: AP

The seven Thais, including a member of parliament, were arrested in Banteay Meanchey province last week, sparking protests in Bangkok and along the border.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court this week will question seven high-profile Thais who are charged with illegally entering the country, lawyers said Tuesday.

The seven Thais, including a member of parliament, were arrested in Banteay Meanchey province last week, sparking protests in Bangkok and along the border, but officials from both sides say there will be no political release.

Ros Oun, a lawyer for three of the defendants, including Panich Vikitsreth, a member of the Democrat Party, said he was notified by the courts Tuesday morning that his clients will be questioned. He is preparing documents to request their release on bail, he said.

Pich Vicheka, who is representing the other four Thais, said he will seek to prove they did not intend to cross the border.

Thai media reports have said the five men and two women were on a fact-finding mission investigating Thai claims of Cambodian border encroachment, a politically sensitive topic following nearly two and a half years of military tension over disputed border areas.

The Bangkok Post reported Tuesday that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva admitted to sending Panich Vikitsreth to the border with a delegation and that the incident is a high priority for Cabinet discussions.