A Thai activist Panich Vikiitreth (left) arrives at Phnom Penh Municipal Court. -- PHOTO: AP
PHNOM PENH - FIVE Thais including a ruling party politician received a suspended sentence Friday for illegally entering Cambodia, in a case that has strained diplomatic ties between the two countries.
They were among seven Thais arrested in Cambodia on Dec 29 for illegal entry and trespassing on a military area, charges that carried a maximum combined sentence of 18 months in prison.
'The Phnom Penh Municipal Court has found the five suspects guilty' on both charges, said presiding judge Suos Sam Ath, adding that each had been sentenced to nine months in jail and a fine of one million riel (S$321).
Acknowledging time already spent in a Phnom Penh prison before they were bailed a few days ago, the judge said the rest of the sentence was suspended.
Thai lawmaker Panich Vikitsreth of the Democrat Party looked relieved and smiled after the verdict was read out.
He was seen leaving the court in a Thai embassy car with the four other Thais. -- AFP
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