Two Thais arrested in Cambodia face additional charge

via CAAI

January 10, 2011

Two of the seven Thai nationals arrested in Cambodia late last month have faced additional charge, court officials said Monday.

Veera Somkwamkid, who led a People's Alliance of Democrats group called the Thailand Patriot Network, and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon, known as Veera's secretary, face additional charge, Phnom Penh Municipal Court officials, who preferred not to be named, said on Monday.

The charge was mentioned as their attempt in "collecting information which might damage Cambodia's national security," according to the court.

According to Cambodia's laws, they may face five to ten years imprisonment if found guilty.

The two, along with five other Thai nationals, including Thai Democratic Party lawmaker Panich Vikitsreth, were charged on Dec. 30 last year for illegal entry into Cambodia and unlawful entry into military zone. They may face up to 18 months in prison if found guilty.

Cambodian troops detained them following their entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey Province on Dec. 29 last year.

Panich claimed that he had traveled to the area to investigate residents' complaints that Cambodian troops were intruding into Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the seven Thais had no intention to cause any harm to Cambodia and is seeking their release on bail.

However, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Monday that no one deserved to make any intervention into the case which is now under the full authority of the Cambodian court.

Source: Xinhua