Three Surin villagers freed by Cambodia return home

SI SA KET, Dec 21 -- Three Thai nationals, who were released from imprisonment in Cambodia to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia, returned home Tuesday afternoon via Si Sa Ket's Chong Sangam border checkpoint.

They were joyfully reunited with their famlilies who had been waiting for them eagerly at the checkpoint. The trio thanked the Thai and Cambodian officials for their help during their imprisonment in Cambodia and facilitating their release.

The trio--Sanong Wongcharoen, Lim Phuangphet and Lan Sapsri--all natives of Surin province, were arrested in August by Cambodian border patrol police on charges of spying while collecting forest products along the border.

They were sentenced to 18 months prison in Siem Reap on charges of illegal entry by the Cambodian court after spending four months in Cambodia.

The Thai officials led by Si Sa Ket deputy governor Channa Ieamsaeng met the trio at the immigration office before leading them across the border checkpoint to Thailand.

They told reporters that on the day they were arrested, they were hunting and collecting forest products and unintentionally strayed into Cambodian territory before being arrested by Cambodian border patrol police.

They said that during their more than four-month stay in Cambodia, the Cambodian authorities took good care of them and allowed their families to visit.

The Si Sa Ket deputy governor said the release of the three Thai nationals was a good sign to strengthen bilateral relation of Thailand and Cambodia particularly in terms of trade and tourism along the border.

It could also be a good start for the future talks to open the gateway for tourists to visit Preah Vihear Temple from Thailand, he said. (MCOT online news) .