Lawyers plan to ask for bail for seven detained Thais

Posted: 06 Jan, 2011
Source: Xinhua

PHNOM PENH -- Bail requests for the seven detained Thais will be submitted to the court as soon as the investigating judge finishes questioning them on Thursday morning, said a defense lawyer of the seven on Wednesday.

"We have prepared the bail requests already and will request to the court after the inquest session on Thursday at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court is over," Pich Vicheka, one of the two lawyers for the seven detained Thais, told Xinhua on Wednesday.

The inquest session on Thursday will be conducted by investigating Judge Chaing Sinat.

The seven Thais include Panich Wikitsate, a Democrat Member of Parliament for Bangkok, Veera Somkwamkid, secretary general of People Network Against Corruption and Thailand Patriot Network core member, and other five people in the "yellow shirt" group.

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

On Dec. 30, the deputy prosecutor of Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Sok Roeun, charged them with illegal entry and illegally entering a military base along the border, crimes which in Cambodia carry penalties of up to six months and one year, respectively and fine from 1 million to 2 million Cambodian riels (250-500 U.S. dollars). So far, the court has not set the date for the trial of the seven Thais.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit admitted on Tuesday to sending Panich to investigate the border, according to the Bangkok Post. Enditem Lawyers plan to ask for bail for seven detained Thais.