Four Thais get bail

18/01/2011
Anucha Charoenpo
Bangkok Post

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Tuesday morning released another four Thais on bail, on condition they stay in Cambodia until their trial.

The decision meant that only Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid remains in detention. The court cited serious charges of spying against him as a reason.

All seven Thais have been charged with illegal entry, but Mr Veera and his secretary, Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, also face charges of espionage for allegedly spying before their arrest.

The court cited the serious charge of spying as a reason for refusing bail for Mr Veera.

The seven have been charged with trespassing on Cambodian territory and intruding into a military zone on Dec 29.

The four allowed bail were later taken back to Prey Sar Prison pending their transfer to the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh, where Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth and Narumol Chaiwaratana, who were earlier freed on bail, are residing.

The date for their trials have not yet been set.

Emerging from the court room, Mr Veera appeared frustrated. He said he would appeal the ruling.

''I will appeal to the Supreme Court. I will fight to the end,'' Mr Veera said.