Two Thais appear in Cambodia's court on new charge of espionage

January 12, 2011
Xinhua

Phnom Penh Municipal Court's investigating judge Chaing Sinat on Wednesday morning began to question two of the seven arrested Thais for new charge of espionage.

The two Thais are Veera Somkwamkid, a core member of the Thailand Patriot Network, and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon, known as Veera's woman secretary. They faced additional charge of an attempt in "collecting information which might damage Cambodia's national security," said the court's deputy prosecutor Sok Roeun.

According to Cambodia's laws, the two people may face five to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

The seven arrested Thais are a Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok Panich Wikitsate, Veera Somkwamkid, Thailand Patriot Network core member, Samdin Lersbusya, secretary for Heaven and Earth Party, Kochpontorn Chusanaseree, assistant to Panich, Taynae Moongmachon, pressperson, Ms. Naruemol Chitwaratana, house keeper and Ms. Ratree Paiputana Paiboon, vendor and known as Veera's secretary.

They were arrested on Dec. 29, 2010 by Cambodian border protection troops for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and now are being detained in Phnom Penh ' s Prey Sar prison.

They 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 and fine from 1 to 2 million Cambodian riels (250 U.S. dollars - 500 U.S. dollars) if found guilty.