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A Thai court in Ubon province has sentenced 16 Cambodian loggers to 9 years and three months imprisonment for illegally logging in Thai territories.

The 16 loggers were arrested on 23rd July for logging on the Khmer-Thai borders at Choam Ksan district in Preah Vihear province. But they told the court that they never have any intention of crossing the borders, but because they have no map and navigation equipments they thought that the areas they were logging are located inside Khmer territories.

The court hearing on 23rd September in Ubon was attended by 4 Cambodian provincial officials and officials from the Cambodian Consulate in Ubon.

Sources said that these loggers did not act alone. They can manage to sneak into dangerous territories because they were hired and assisted by military officers who have been engaging in illegal logging in the areas.

The Cambodian prisoners were brought to court hands and legs chained and shackled together. Cambodian officials who attended the court session said they will appeal the court sentence. They also said that the Thai authorities have promised to release those Cambodian loggers, but so far they have not shown good on their promises.

Source: Koh Santepheap newspaper
Reported in English by Khmerization