Thai border authorities have been informed that the hearing scheduled for today has been postponed until further notice. Kawthaung officials did not provide a reason for the postponement.
The two Thai villagers have been identified as Kalaya Thawo, 49, and Thanom Chansamut, 52, from Surat Thani and Chumphon provinces respectively. The Myanmar court has already handed down a verdict, sentencing Mr Thanom to 7 years in prison for firearm possession.
According to the Thai authorities, 83 other Thai detainees, sentenced earlier to 3 years and 6 months in prison for land encroachment, are expected to be granted a pardon by Myanmar’s central government in the near future.
During the next 3 years and 6 months, equalling the jail term handed down by the court, the 83 Thai villagers will be prohibited from entering Myanmar territory. Any trespassing will result in their having to serve the suspended jail term.
Information and Source
Correspondent : Orapa Chueyprasit
Rewriter : SUVICHA SUVICHA
National News Bureau & Public Relations : http://thainews.prd.go.th
