Cambodian accused of arson [in Bangkok] gets lawyer

Tuesday, 25 May 2010
By Cheang Sokha
Phnom Penh Post

THE Cambodian embassy in Bangkok has found a lawyer to represent a man accused of committing an arson attack on a bank during violent protests in the Thai capital last week, officials said.

San Mony Phet, 27, a native of Battambang province, was arrested by Thai authorities on Wednesday outside the Bangkok beverage shop where he is employed, on suspicion of involvement in an arson attack committed by antigovernment Red Shirt protesters.

Koy Kuong, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday that a Thai attorney has been found to defend him when he appears in court.

“We will try our best to help him,” he said Monday, and added that Cambodian embassy officials and the man’s wife went to meet him in custody on Sunday.

Cambodian officials have so far denied San Mony Phet’s involvement in the protests. Koy Kuong said the suspect has worked legally in Thailand for five years and is married to a Thai woman, who has cooperated with embassy officials and Thai authorities in order to expedite the release of her husband.

At least 86 people were killed and around 1,900 injured in clashes between government forces and Red Shirts before the protesters were dispersed by force last week.