KH KOMPONG CHAM

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bangkok Post's Opinion: On the border trespassing Thais
Bangkok Today Columnist Phya Mai
13/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Why hasn't there been public outrage over the arrest of seven Thais by Cambodian authorities?

The Thai public sentiment might have been muted by a videoclip that suggests Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth intentionally crossed into Cambodian territory, and that he was on a secret mission purportedly assigned by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva.

It is Cambodia that scored points by tactfully handling the delicate situation. No criticism was levelled against the Thai prime minister, and no attempt was made to link the issue with the disputed area at Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen did not try to exploit the situation to attack his Thai counterpart, who initially demanded that Cambodia immediately free the seven Thais.


The incident has shown the Abhisit government in a bad light, as Hun Sen played his cards close to his chest. He has insisted all along that the fate of the seven Thais will be decided by the court of justice, and that he must respect the judiciary.

All things considered, I think PM Abhisit should show his political spirit by flying to Phnom Penh, where he may negotiate with the concerned authorities. And before he leaves Bangkok, Mr Abhisit should declare that he will resign if he cannot bring the seven Thais back to Bangkok with him.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Has Cambodia become a country for sale? [-Land revolution is gearing up!]


Buddhist monk Lun Sovath has taken up the villagers' cause


Hoi An had to give birth to her baby in prison, after protesting against 'her' land being taken by 'force'


Matt Rendall, a key adviser on the investor-friendly land law, denies it encourages land grabs
12 January 2011
By Mukul Devichand
BBC Radio 4, Crossing Continents
In a remote part of northern Cambodia, a Buddhist monk in flowing orange robes is reciting a poem. The words are anything but traditional.

"There was a day when the hostile traders conspired with the corrupted authority," chants the Venerable Lun Sovath, using measured rhyming couplets in the Khmer language.

"Wake up all Khmers and unite," he continues. "Bring back our rice fields."

He has brought me to this scrap of scrubland, where 20 villagers now eek out a living picking mushrooms, to show me the ugly side of Cambodia's system of what he describes as "economic land concessions".

Behind a fence, we can see the ruins of a village and a brilliantly green expanse of fields.


The local people say they were forced off this land, without compensation, when a sugar plantation was established here by a Thai investor.

Private companies

The country's new system of land concessions is aimed at developing the economy and capitalizing on its location in rising Asia.

Cambodia is one of the region's poorest countries, and is still recovering from the devastating civil war that followed the tyrannical rule of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.

Since 2005, around 15% of Cambodian land has been signed over to private companies, a third of them foreign, using leases under which they promise to develop the plots and provide jobs. One of the biggest growth areas is agriculture, because of rising world food prices and scarce global supplies.

But reports of unfair and sometimes violent "land grabs" have overshadowed the process.

"They lit the houses first, and then they shot to scare people so they would run from the houses," recounts Hoi Mai, who says she lost her house.

She says the residents were literally forced out a year ago by military units acting on behalf of the plantation owner.

The Thai investors who have acquired the lease on this sugar plantation did not return my calls.

Khmer Rouge legacy

Ho Mai tried to appeal to the authorities, but she was arrested for her trouble, despite being heavily pregnant. They accused her of farming the land illegally. Her baby was born in prison.
“Sometimes we need to use force because we cannot talk to people who don't understand the law and are trying to take advantage” - Cambodian government official
Ho Mai is adamant that this plot is hers but she admits she has no legal documents to prove it.

This is not unusual in Cambodia. The ancient Khmer empire had few records and Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s banned all private property. Most land titles were burned, and many people moved around during the brutal civil war that raged afterwards.

So are foreign and local investors taking advantage of the chaos to take land for themselves?

"Without sounding callous, wouldn't it be nice if it was that easy?" asks Matt Rendall.

He is the land lawyer, in a sharp suit, who advised the government so closely that it is often said that he "wrote" Cambodia's investor-friendly 2001 Land Law.

He does not accept that the law encourages situations like that in O'Batman village. Instead, he says, foreign investors get caught up in a situation that is not of their making.

"For our investors, our investor clients, it's a problem they don't want," he says. "It's just going to cause them so much grievance and heartache on the ground here that it's just not worth it."

Government programme

Rendall and other international business people say they support the government's programme to issue land documents to the poor.

They would rather deal with people who have documents, because that would give them more certainty - which is better for business.

The land titling programme was initially funded by the World Bank, and other foreign donors. But they and the government have been criticised for being slow and ineffective.

The government points out that despite the problems, around two million land documents have now been issued to ordinary Cambodians.

"We as a government are making every effort possible to speed up the process of land registration," I was told by senior minister, Im Chun Lim.

But one evening in Phnom Penh, I uncovered evidence of less savoury officials and business dealings.

I met a government official who explained to me anonymously how some investors get around the system.

"Normally you don't need to even go via the ministry," He explained. "You can talk to the local officials, and you can just pay them to protect your land."

He told me the deals can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and payments for officials like him, whose normal earnings are the equivalent of US$200 a month.

He explained how in some cases, the officials use police or military units to make sure villagers leave the land.

"Sometimes we need to use force because we cannot talk to people who don't understand the law and are trying to take advantage," he says.

"We have to ask them to leave," he adds. "By law or by force."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
[Thai] 'Patriots' threaten [Poipet] checkpoint


Poipet border crossing
Closing border crossing 'would hurt Cambodia' [KI-Media Note: It will also affect Thai export!]

13/01/2011
Bangkok Post

A splinter group of the yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy is threatening to close a border checkpoint in Sa Kaeo to press for the release of seven Thais in a Cambodian jail.

The group's target is the permanent Aranyaprathet-Poipet checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district through which goods worth almost 30 billion baht pass each year.

Chaiwat Sinsuwong, a core member of the Thai Patriots Network, yesterday said the group needs to strike where it hurts Cambodia the most.

He said the closure would prevent Thai gamblers from crossing the border to visit casinos in Poipet and stem illicit activities along the border including contraband, drugs and illegal labour.

The town of Poipet houses a number of casinos, a prime source of income for Cambodia, and many Thais visit it.


"When the checkpoint is closed, Cambodia will release the seven Thais. It wouldn't trade its source of income [for the detainees]," he said.

Mr Chaiwat said the group will press for the release of the seven Thais even though two of them, Veera Somkwamkid of the network and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, face additional charges of espionage.

Mr Chaiwat said Cambodia was trying the seven Thai nationals illegally and their detention was considered as kidnapping under the Geneva Convention.

He said the convention, which had been endorsed by both countries, forbids the arrest and trial of civilians in a disputed area.

The seven were arrested on Dec29 when they entered a disputed area near Nong Jan village in Sa Kaeo's Aranyaprathet district next to Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province.

The network will today rally in front of Government House to force the government to take action, he said.

The group is critical of the Democrat-led administration's handling of the matter and believes it has done very little to help the detained Thais.

Mr Chaiwat said the group will today submit a petition to the United Nations and International Red Cross Society asking both agencies to monitor the case.

Mr Veera, meanwhile, has refused to give a statement to the Cambodian municipal court unless he can do so through an interpreter provided by the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, said Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Mr Veera and Ms Ratree were taken to the court yesterday for a hearing on the espionage charges against them.

Mr Chavanond said Mr Veera demanded an interpreter from the Thai embassy instead of a court interpreter which is normally provided.

He said the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh is prepared to submit the request but the decision rests with the Cambodian court.

Mr Chavanond said Thai authorities are working on bail requests and a response is expected in a few days.

He denied the government had urged the seven Thais to plead guilty to the trespassing charges and seek a royal pardon afterwards.

Asked about a prisoner exchange programme, Mr Chavanond said it was too early to consider it.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has denied that its request for a budget of 517 million baht has anything to do with the current tense Thai-Cambodian situation.

The cabinet on Tuesday approved the minister's request amid questions over the objective of the budget.

Defence spokesman Thanatip Sawangsaeng said while the budget is earmarked for use in "unexpected circumstances" in the eastern region, it is not for the current situation.

"The budget is to support operations of troops who have been deployed since last year.

"The submission to the cabinet simply coincides with the border tension. It was proposed several times," he said.

On the planned rally in Aranyaprathet, he said the provincial governor and authorities would have to work closely to keep the situation under control.

A government source said the arrests of the seven Thais have not affected bilateral ties so far.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Detained Thais Face Spy Charges in Cambodian Court


Veera Somkwamkid (C), former leader of Thailand's People's Alliance for Democracy, is escorted by Cambodian police at Phnom Penh Municipal Court, Jan 12, 2011. (Photo: Reuters)
Kate Woodsome, Voice of America
Washington, D.C. 12 January 2011
A prominent Thai nationalist activist and his aide faced questioning in a Cambodian court Wednesday on espionage charges. The two are among seven Thais, including a lawmaker, charged with illegally entering Cambodia in a case that threatens to bring a simmering diplomatic dispute to a boil yet again.

Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary, Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, are accused of gathering information that could pose a threat to Cambodian security - a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.

The two were arrested last month for trespassing into a Cambodian military zone. They were traveling with five other Thais, many of whom belong to a splinter group of the nationalist People's Alliance for Democracy. The so-called "Yellow Shirt" activists have been pushing the Thai government to adopt a strong stance with Cambodian on border disputes.


Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has appealed to Phnom Penh to free the detainees, but Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has said the courts must decide their fate.

Lao Mong Hay, a Cambodian political analyst living in Oxford, England, says the Cambodian judicial system is not independent, and the likelihood of a fair trial for the Thais is slim.

"It's still a sort of communist judiciary, which is under government control through the ruling party," he says. "Almost all judges are members of the ruling party. And the party has strict discipline, so any deviation from the party line would be reprimanded."

Thai nationalists say the group was investigating claims of Cambodian land encroachment into Thailand, and that they were kidnapped by Cambodian soldiers. The loosely demarcated border between the longtime rivals stirs nationalistic fervor in both countries. A dispute over the ancient Preah Vihear temple sparked clashes between Cambodian and Thai troops in 2008.

The U.N. cultural agency UNESCO recognizes the Hindu temple as Cambodian, but some Thai activists say it belongs to their country.

Lao Mong Hay says Cambodia has fewer diplomatic allies than Thailand and would not fare well if it raised its concerns in an international forum, like the United Nations. Instead, he says the Cambodian government appears to be using the Thais' arrest as a political diversion.

"Deep down, [it is] just to aid the tension and divert public opinion from the eastern border," he says.

That's the eastern border with Vietnam, an equally sensitive topic for Cambodian nationalists concerned that Hanoi is expanding its territory by secretly moving border markers. That issue receives little official scrutiny by Phnom Penh, which criticis say is a sign of Vietnam's strong influence in Cambodian politics.

The Thai border is a different situation. The current Thai case has drawn widespread media attention in Cambodia. And top border negotiators from both countries met in Phnom Penh this week, pledging to speed up the demarcation process despite the tensions.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thais questioned on spying


Thai detainee Veera Somkwamkid is escorted by police into Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday. (Photo by: Pha Lina)
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post
Two Thai nationals facing espionage charges in connection with their arrest for trespassing in Banteay Meanchey province last month appeared for questioning at Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday, as tensions mounted in the high-profile case.

The two were part of a group of seven people, including Thai parliamentarian Panich Vikitsreth, who were apprehended by Cambodian troops in Banteay Meanchey’s O’Chrou district.

All seven have been charged with illegal entry and unlawfully entering a military base, charges that carry a maximum combined sentence of 18 months in prison.


On Tuesday, detainees Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon were also formally charged with collecting information that may damage national defence, a charge that could net them up to ten years in prison.

“The investigating judge, Ms. Chang Sinath, upheld the charge against my client,” said Pich Vicheka, Veera’s Cambodian lawyer.

“My client, however, remained silent under interrogation.”

While the Kingdom’s courts provide their own interpreters, Veera refused to speak without an interpreter appointed by the Thai Embassy, the Bangkok Post reported.

Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said on Tuesday that Bangkok was “concerned about the new charges”.

“We have always believed that the seven people did not intend to encroach into Cambodia … but we hope that they will have a chance to defend themselves in a court of law,” he said.

“We certainly respect the judicial process in Cambodia, and we hope the issue will be resolved as soon as possible, paving the way for the suspects to return to Thailand as soon as possible.”

Veera, a former leader of the “Yellow Shirt” People’s Alliance for Democracy, now heads the Thailand Patriot Network, a PAD splinter group. Ratree is reportedly his secretary.
Veera and the nationalist Yellow Shirts have staged repeated rallies at the Thai-Cambodian border to protest against alleged Cambodian encroachment.

He joined Panich on last month’s ill-fated excursion in an attempt to “investigate” the border demarcation process.

Pich Vicheka said on Tuesday that the detainees had yet to receive a response to a bail request submitted on Monday. A trial date has not yet been set.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Hun Sen said the detainees could not expect to win early release if they are convicted.

“After they are convicted, they have 30 days to make an appeal, and after the conviction is effective, they have to serve two thirds of their sentences before we consider whether there is a pardon or not,” the prime minister said.

Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cambodian filmmaker uses fiction to teach facts about Khmer Rouge


A still from ‘Lost Loves,’ a film about the Khmer Rouge. (Courtesy of Chhay Bora)
One Cambodian filmmaker thought a popular film about the Khmer Rouge regime might reach a wider audience than the numerous documentaries and tomes that exist on the subject.

January 12, 2011
By Julie Masis, Correspondent
The Christian Science Monitor

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Chhay Bora had never been to film school, but his first movie, “Lost Loves,” made a Cambodian-American girl cry and an official from the Ministry of Culture collapse as he walked back to his seat after the screening.

The first feature film about the Khmer Rouge by a Cambodian director and actors in more than 20 years tells the story of the film director’s mother-in-law, who lost her husband, brother, father, and three children during the regime.

Mr. Bora said he made the feature for young Cambodians who don’t read foreign books or watch documentaries – and some of whom doubt the killings and starvation took place.


“Cambodian-Americans and French Cambodians write a lot of books and produce a lot of documentaries, but those films don’t really have an impact among Cambodian people,” he said. “Documentaries don’t seem real when people watch them; they cannot imagine what [it was really] like.”

Bong Chanraingsey, an 18-year-old student, held back tears after a screening at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh. “If I didn’t watch it, I wouldn’t believe that it’s a true story that happened in Cambodia,” he said.

“Lost Loves” is the second film about the Khmer Rouge by a Cambodian director to come out in the past year (following the documentary “Enemies of the People”). “ ‘Lost Loves’ [tells the story of] one of the victims, who can present all of us to the world,” says Bora, who hopes to bring his movie to the United States.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cambodia: Draft NGO Law

Taken Question
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
Source: US Department of State

Question Taken at the January 7, 2011 Daily Press Briefing

January 12, 2011
Question: Has the government of Cambodia started to make laws that place limits on NGOs operating in country? What sort of limits? How is this affecting NGO programs?

Answer: The United States has serious concerns about the law as drafted and strongly opposes the enactment of any law that would constrain the legitimate activities of NGOs. We urge the Royal Government of Cambodia to consult closely with NGOs and other stakeholders on the substance of the draft law, and to reconsider whether such a measure is even necessary. The United States believes that a strong and free civil society is vital to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing economic and humanitarian well-being, and promoting a sustainable economy. In Cambodia, as in many other countries, NGOs and other civil society organizations make critical contributions in these areas.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
US concerned for NGOs in Cambodia
Thursday, January 13, 2011
AFP
WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday urged Cambodia to ensure a free civil society, voicing deep concern at what it viewed as efforts to constrict the activities of non-governmental organizations.

The State Department called on Prime Minister Hun Sen's government to hold talks with non-governmental groups and other stakeholders on a new law and to "reconsider whether such a measure is even necessary."

"The United States has serious concerns about the law as drafted and strongly opposes the enactment of any law that would constrain the legitimate activities of NGOs," a State Department statement said.

"The United States believes that a strong and free civil society is vital to strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing economic and humanitarian well-being and promoting a sustainable economy," it said.


Non-governmental organizations have played an active role in rebuilding Cambodia since it emerged from the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime and civil war. Hun Sen has repeatedly clashed with groups over their power of the purse and occasional criticism of government policies.

Rights groups in December voiced alarm as Cambodia started introducing laws that would make it a crime to criticize judges or to hurt the feelings of public officials.

Government spokesman Phay Siphan at the time called the law "good news for Cambodia," saying it "protects human rights and keeps social order."


Also in December, the World Food Program apologized after coming under fire from Hun Sen for wrongly stating that Cambodia was vulnerable to food shortages.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Analysts See Royal Pardon for Arrested Thais [-Royal pardon for the foreigners, how about pardon for Khmer citizens first?]


Thai activists Veera Somkwamkid, second left, a core leader of Yellow Shirts and Panich Vikitsreth, a member of Parliment of the ruling Democrat party, second right, are escorted by Cambodian court security personnel at Phnom Penh Municipal Court. (Photo: AP)
Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 12 January 2011
“As we know, the monarch has the privilege of giving pardons.”
While Prime Minister Hun Sen has ruled out a political release for seven Thais arrested for illegal entry, two analysts say a royal pardon after their trial is a possibility.

The seven Thais, including a member of parliament, are facing a potential prison sentence of 18 months total for illegal entry and trespassing in a military area.

“My opinion is that the first step must be through the court,” said Ros Chantraboth, a historian at the Royal Academy. “After the court's prosecution, based on a suggestion of friendship for both countries, [Prime Minister] Hun Sen will request from [King Norodom Sihamoni] their amnesty and release.”


Sok Touch, rector of Khemarak University, said first the judicial system must be allowed to work before diplomatic negotiations.

“Cambodia should show its willingness to use the court system perfectly, and after that open political negotiation,” he said. “As we know, the monarch has the privilege of giving pardons.”

Both analysts criticized the Thai courts, which do not typically try Cambodians caught crossing the border illegally. A third analyst added that the arrests may cause pause for some Thai nationalist groups wanting to cross the border or enter disputed territory for the purpose of protest.

A lengthy armed standoff along the border near Preah Vihear temple was sparked in July 2008 when demonstrators entered a disputed area to protest the listing of the temple as a World Heritage site.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Farm contracts or potential for more land-grabbings and evictions?
Ministry Looks to Have More Hand in Farm Contracts

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 12 January 2011
“This draft will eliminate the middlemen and bring investors directly to meet farmers or farmer associations.”
The Ministry of Agriculture is finalizing a new subdecree that would put it in a major role for contract farmers.

The subdecree lets the ministry help farmers find investment partners and markets for their goods, said Mao Sopheareth, director of the ministry's agro-industrial development department.

“After approving this draft, we'll have a direct relationship between sellers and farmers in signing their contracts,” he said. “This draft will eliminate the middlemen and bring investors directly to meet farmers or farmer associations.”

Farmers have complained in the past of receiving low value for their raw goods, while middlemen reap the value added of better markets. But without a mechanism to help them, it can be difficult for farmers to find a lucrative market for their products.


Meanwhile, Cambodia is hoping to produce 1 million tons for rice for export by 2015.

Mao Sopheareth said the draft will help that goal and will help build trust for investors who want to bring their business here. It is under review by a legal expert and is expected to be examined by the Council of Ministers in February.

Yong Saing Koma, president of Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture, said that the draft will be good for farmers and sellers by watching over contracts.

“It implements justice,” he said. “The farmers have a clear contract on the market, quality, quantity and standards with the sellers. The foreign companies will buy their products. The company has clarity for buying their products with quality, quantity and standards.”
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Second General Arrested in Three Days in Phnom Penh [-Are all the CPP generals drug dealers?]


Moeuk Dara (Photo: DAP-news)
Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Wednesday, 12 January 2011
"Another high-ranking official was arrested Wednesday in connection to alleged drug offenses."
Another high-ranking official was arrested Wednesday in connection to alleged drug offenses, officials said.

Three-star general Moeuk Dara, who is secretary-general of the the National Authority to Combat Drugs, was put under arrest by the Ministry of Interior after he was asked to come in for questioning. Also arrested was Chea Leng, a colonel, head of the Ministry of Interior office for combatting drugs.

Officials declined to give details or say whether that arrest was connected to the detention Monday of Hun Hean, former police chief of Banteay Meanchey province.

Khieu Sopheak, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, said the arrest was made with cooperation between the ministry and the new Anti-Corruption Unit.

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith confirmed the detention but declined to give further detail.

Cambodia has grown in recent years from a transit country for illicit drugs to a place where they are produced. In 2010, police cracked down in 320 cases, arresting 638 suspects, including 63 foreigners, according to official figures.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
NACD's Mok Dara brought in for questioning


Mok Dara (Photo: DAP-news)
Cambodian police question head of anti-drugs office

Jan 12, 2011
DPA
Phnom Penh - The head of Cambodia's anti-drugs office was in custody and being questioned on unspecified charges, a government spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

General Mok Dara, the secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), was taken in for questioning by police earlier in the day.

'The Cambodian national police have cooperated with the Anti-Corruption Unit to ask Mok Dara to come for questioning, and up to now, Mok Dara is under the control of the authorities,' said Ministry of Interior spokesman Khieu Sopheak.

He added that the case was linked to the recent arrest of a senior police officer, Hun Hean.


Hun Hean, who was the provincial police chief for the western province of Banteay Meanchey, was along with his deputy on suspicion of accepting bribes and involvement in drug trafficking.

Hun Hean - no relation to Prime Minister Hun Sen - told local media the allegations were untrue.

A recent report by the NACD stated that drugs-related arrests were up sharply in 2010 over the previous year, with 536 people arrested in the nine months to end September 2010. Around 470 were arrested in 2009.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Veera refuses to testify, demands interpreter [-Prisoners swap in the work?]
12/01/2011
Bangkok Post
Veera Somkwamkid did not testify when he was taken before the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for examination on Wednesday morning, saying he would speak only through an interpreter provided by the Thai embassy, Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said.

Mr Veera, a coordinator of the yellow-shirt Thai Patriots Network, and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon were taken to the court this morning to hear additional charges of espionage and face examination.

Mr Chavanond, secretary to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, said the Thai embassy was happy to provide Mr Veera with an interpreter.

However, Cambodian court regulations allow only for the use of its own interpreters. The embassy would submit a request for an exemption. The final decision rests with the court, he said.


He had no information from Cambodia whether Ms Ratree had given testimony to the court.

It was also not known whether Mr Veera and Ms Ratree would need to appoint other lawyers in addition to the two Cambodian lawyers provided by the embassy.

Mr Chavanond said it would be clear in two days whether the five other Thai defendants, including Democrat Party MP Panich Vikitsreth, would be granted bail.

After the Cambodian court delivers its verdict in the case, the governments of the two countries would negotiate ways of helping the seven defendants.

A swap of prisoners could be one way out, but this would not be known until after the court had given its verdict, Mr Chavanond said.

Karun Sai-ngam, a member of the TPN's legal team, tried in vain to get permission to be in court for the questioning this morning.

The network's legal team was in Phnom Penh, ready to apply for the release of the seven Thais arrested by Cambodian soldiers on Dec 29 on charges of illegal entry and trespassing on a Cambodian military zone.

The TPN released a statement today announcing the network will hold a mass rally in front of Government House tomorrow. The statement was read oput by core member Chaiwat Sinsuwong.

The yellow-shirt splinter group called for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and his secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, saying they were negligent in not helping the seven Thais arrested by Cambodian soldiers.

The statement said they instead admitted the Thais had trespassed on Cambodian soil, in the hope they would get a royal pardon from the Cambodian king.

The network also demanded the government submit a letter to the United Nations asking that it "oppose" the Cambodian court's jurisdiction in the matter. The network claims the Cambodian court does not have the authority to consider the case against the arrested Thais.

In the statement, the Thai and Cambodian governments were asked to comply with the 4th Geneva Convention, to which both countries are signatories, which prohibits the arrest and trial of civilians in a disputed area.

Mr Chaiwat said the TPN would hold a mass rally outside Government House tomorrow to press the government to comply with its demands.

If the government doese not comply, the network would organise a rally in Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province to press for the closure of the border checkpoint, he said.

The network would submit a letter to the UN and the office of the International Red Cross in Thailand to ask them to look into the plight of the seven Thais to make sure their rights are protected while being detained at Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Veera gives no statement to Cambodian court on spying charge [-PAD threatens to close Poipet border gate]
BANGKOK, Jan 12 (MCOT online news) -- Veera Somkwamkid, leader of the Thai Patriot Network, one of seven Thais detained in Cambodia following last month's border incident, made no statement at court Wednesday morning, but asserted he would provide his statement to the court through an interpreter provided by Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, according to Chavanond Intarakomalyasut, secretary to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Mr Veera, Secretary General of the People’s Network Against Corruption and his secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon were taken to Phnom Penh Municipal Court Wednesday morning for a hearing on spying charges on top of the charges of illegal entry and trespassing into a Cambodian military area already heard.

The government prosecutor alleged that the duo had gathered security information that could pose a severe threat to Khmer security.


Mr Chavanond said, according to the report he received, Mr Veera refused to testify and insisted that he would answer question through the interpreter provided by the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh and that the embassy was ready to support his request.

However, court regulations permitted only a court interpreter, he said, adding that the embassy had initially submitted a petition to the court to allow use of the embassy interpreter.

The possibility depended on the court's decision, he said.

Mr Chavanond said that as for Ms Ratree, the ministry has no information whether she has given a statement to the court or not.

Meanwhile he believed that in the next two days, more developments could be seen as to whether the five Thais would be granted bail.

Asked by reporters whether additional lawyers are needed for Mr Veera and Ms Ratree, Mr Chavanond said the discussion must be made with the legal team.

He added that after the court delivers its verdict, the governments of the two countries would negotiate on ways of helping the seven Thais.

A swap of prisoners could be an option, but it is too far ahead to consider at the moment as it must wait for the court verdict, he said.

The seven Thais, including Democrat member of parliament for Bangkok Panich Vikitsreth, were arrested Dec 29 by the Cambodian authorities for illegal entry into Cambodian territory in Banteay Meanchey province and are now detained in Phnom Penh's Prey Sar Prison.

The Cambodian court finished the first hearings last Thursday. The detainees face two initial charges -- illegal entry into the Cambodian kingdom, with possible punishment of three to six months jail and deportation, and also trespass into a Cambodian military zone, punishable by three to six months jail and Bt7,500-15,000 in fines

According to Cambodian laws, the two facing espionage charges may face five to 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.

As for the plan of the Thailand Patriot Network to rally at Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province to press for the closure of the border checkpoint, Mr Chavanond said it was the basic right of the group but he pointed out that helping the seven Thais would be more smoothly if there were no complicating factors.

The Thai Patriot Network announced that they would protest at Government House tomorrow demanding the resignation of Foreign Minister Kasit and his secretary Chavanond for failing to protect the rights of the Thai people and national honour.

Mr Chaiwat said they were negligent in not helping the seven Thais and instead admitted the Thais had trespassed on Cambodian soil in the hope they would finally get a royal pardon from the Cambodian king which made it more difficult to fight the case.

He said the Cambodian court has no authority to try the seven Thais as it violated the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which both countries are signatories, which prohibits the arrest and trial of civilians in a disputed area.

Mr Chaiwat said the network would rally at Government House Thursday to press the government to comply with its demand.

If the government did not do so, he said, the network will rally at Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo province to close the checkpoints and inspect illegal activities along the border including goods and drug smuggling and illegal labour.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian court questions Thai pair on spying charges
Jan 12, 2011
DPA
Phnom Penh - Cambodia's lower court on Wednesday wrapped up its questioning of two Thais including a prominent political figure on charges of spying.

Veera Somkwamkit, a former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and his secretary Ratree Taiputana appeared at the Phnom Penh municipal court for questioning.

The two are among seven Thai nationals arrested last month after illegally entering Cambodia. The seven told the court last week that they had crossed the border accidentally.

Parliamentarian Panich Vikitsreth of Thailand's ruling Democrat Party is also a defendant. A trial date has not yet been announced.


Thailand has expressed concerns about the new, more serious charges of spying.

'We're certainly concerned about the new charges because we have contended all along that the seven Thais who wandered in to Cambodia unwittingly did so with no ill intent,' Foreign Ministry spokesman Thani Thongphakdi said in Bangkok.

Members of the PAD vowed to protest outside Thailand's Government House on Thursday to pressure the government to do more for the seven border trespassers.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said the case remained under the authority of the courts, and maintained that it would not affect relations between the two countries.

'Our stance is to separate the case from bilateral relations,' he said, adding that Thai diplomats had not been in touch to discuss matters since the two foreign ministers met a fortnight ago.

Earlier this week, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that since the seven were in the judicial system, the case was beyond anyone's influence.

Hun Sen said that if the seven were convicted of illegal entry and unlawfully entering a military base - charges that carry a maximum term of 18 months - they would need to serve two-thirds of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole.

However, if Veera and Ratree are convicted of the more serious charge of spying, they could face up to 10 more years in jail.

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have been tense for more than two years with sporadic clashes between troops over disputed territory surrounding the 11th-century Hindu temple of Preah Vihear on the disputed common border.

The temple, known as Phra Viharn in Thailand, belongs to Cambodia under a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice, but sovereignty over 4.6 square kilometres of surrounding land is still in dispute.

The two countries are currently demarcating their border. Thailand's senior border negotiator was in Phnom Penh on Tuesday where he pledged to push ahead with the long-delayed process.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cambodian court officially charges two detained Thais for espionage
January 12, 2011
Xinhua
Phnom Penh Municipal Court's investigating judge Chaing Sinat on Wednesday upheld a new additional charge on two of the seven arrested Thais, said a defense lawyer.

The two Thais are Veera Somkwamkid, a core member of the Thailand Patriot Network, and Ratree Taiputana Taiboon, known as Veera's secretary.

On Jan. 10, the court's deputy prosecutor Sok Roeun applied a new additional charge on the two Thais with an attempt in " collecting information which might damage Cambodia's national security."

The charge that could face between five and 10 years in jail if found guilty, according to the article 446 of the Cambodia's new penal code.


"The investigating judge upheld the charge on the two Thais for spying," Pich Vicheka, one of the two defense lawyers for the seven arrested Thais, confirmed to Xinhua on Wednesday after more than three hour inquest on the two Thais at the court.

He said that so far, the court has not set the date for a trial for the seven detained Thais.

Chaing Sinat did not pick up the phone after repeated calls by reporter on Wednesday.

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.