A Cambodian court to rule on seven Thais next month

Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Nation

A Cambodian court will rule on early next month the case of seven Thais who were charged with illegal entry into Cambodian soil, a Thai Foreign Ministry source said Wednesday.

The source quoted a report from Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh as saying that the court will rule on February 1 at 7.30am.

The seven Thais were charged with illegal entry into Cambodia and entering a military post without permission. Two of them, including Veera Somkwamkit, leader of Thai Patriots Network, faced an additional charge of spying.

However it is unclear whether the court will rule on all allegations or not, the source said.

All but Veera were freed on bail on the conditions that they remained in Cambodia, paid bail bond and be ready to report to authorities when summoned. The six suspects are now staying in the Thai embassy's compound.

Thai Ambassador to Phnom Penh Prasas Prasasvinitchai is now consulting with the six suspects to know their need in pursuing the case. The source said no Thai wished to change lawyer as earlier reported.

Referring to Veera who is the only Thai remaining in jail, the source said the lawyer has discussed with Veera about a final appeal against the court's refusing to deny him a bail.

If they finish the draft, they may submit the final appeal within today.