dkhmernews

Cambodia court rejects bail for Khmer Rouge 'First Lady'

2009-05-11

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - Cambodia's UN-backed genocide tribunal on Monday rejected an appeal by the former "First Lady" of the hardline communist Khmer Rouge government to be released on bail.

Ieng Thirith, 77, the regime's one-time social affairs minister, is one of five top cadres in the sights of the tribunal over atrocities committed during the regime's 1975-1979 rule.

"The appeal is dismissed. The request to be released on bail is inadmissible," said Judge Prak Kimsan, the president of the tribunal's pre-trial chamber.

"There are well-founded reasons to believe that the charged person may have committed crimes with which she has been charged. There is reason to show that people were arrested from her ministry," the judge said.

The judge also cited Ieng Tririth's furious outburst when she first asked for bail in February. She told members of the court that they would be "cursed to the seventh circle of hell."

Ieng Thirith did not appear at Monday's hearing as she was not well enough to get out of bed, her Cambodian lawyer Phat Pouv Seang said.

"We do not agree 100 percent with the court decision and will try to pursue this issue in the trial," he said.

Ieng Thirith has denied her involvement in the crimes committed by the Khmer Rouge, saying that "everything was done by Nuon Chea," the regime's ideologue, who was denied bail last week.

Her husband, former Khmer Rouge foreign minister Ieng Sary, also faces trial by the tribunal.

Up to two million people died of starvation or overwork or were executed under the Khmer Rouge, which dismantled modern Cambodian society in its effort to forge a radical agrarian utopia.

The leader of the regime, Pol Pot, died in 1998. Ieng Thirith's sister Khieu Ponnary was married to him.

The ongoing first Khmer Rouge trial began in February, when the regime's notorious prison chief, Kaing Guek Eav, better known by the alias Duch, went before the court.

The genocide tribunal was convened in 2006 after nearly a decade of fractious talks between the government and United Nations over how to prosecute the former Khmer Rouge leaders.

Jackie Chan's China comments prompt backlash

Sun Apr 19, 2009
AP

HONG KONG - Action star Jackie Chan 's comments wondering whether Chinese people "need to be controlled" have drawn sharp rebuke in his native Hong Kong and in Taiwan .

Chan told a business forum in the southern Chinese province of Hainan that a free society may not be beneficial for China 's authoritarian mainland.

"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan said Saturday. "I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want."

He went on to say that freedoms in Hong Kong and Taiwan made those societies "chaotic."

Chan's comments drew applause from a predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders, but did not sit well with lawmakers in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

"He's insulted the Chinese people. Chinese people aren't pets," Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Leung Kwok-hung told The Associated Press. "Chinese society needs a democratic system to protect human rights and rule of law."

Another lawmaker, Albert Ho, called the comments "racist," adding: "People around the world are running their own countries. Why can't Chinese do the same?"

Former British colony Hong Kong enjoys Western-style civil liberties and some democratic elections under Chinese rule. Half of its 60-member legislature is elected, with the other half picked by special interest groups. But Hong Kong's leader is chosen by a panel stacked with Beijing loyalists.

In democratically self-ruled Taiwan, which split from mainland China during a civil war in 1949, legislator Huang Wei-che said Chan himself "has enjoyed freedom and democracy and has reaped the economic benefits of capitalism. But he has yet to grasp the true meaning of freedom and democracy."

Chan's comments were reported by news outlets in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but were ignored by the mainland Chinese press.

Although Chan was a fierce critic of the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in June 1989, which killed at least hundreds, he has not publicly criticized China's government in recent years and is immensely popular on the mainland.

He performed during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics and took part in the Olympic torch relay .

Chan also is vice chairman of the China Film Association, a key industry group.
___
Associated Press writer Annie Huang in Taipei contributed to this report.

Jackie Chan's China comments prompt backlash

Sun Apr 19, 2009
AP

HONG KONG - Action star Jackie Chan 's comments wondering whether Chinese people "need to be controlled" have drawn sharp rebuke in his native Hong Kong and in Taiwan .

Chan told a business forum in the southern Chinese province of Hainan that a free society may not be beneficial for China 's authoritarian mainland.

"I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," Chan said Saturday. "I'm gradually beginning to feel that we Chinese need to be controlled. If we're not being controlled, we'll just do what we want."

He went on to say that freedoms in Hong Kong and Taiwan made those societies "chaotic."

Chan's comments drew applause from a predominantly Chinese audience of business leaders, but did not sit well with lawmakers in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

"He's insulted the Chinese people. Chinese people aren't pets," Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Leung Kwok-hung told The Associated Press. "Chinese society needs a democratic system to protect human rights and rule of law."

Another lawmaker, Albert Ho, called the comments "racist," adding: "People around the world are running their own countries. Why can't Chinese do the same?"

Former British colony Hong Kong enjoys Western-style civil liberties and some democratic elections under Chinese rule. Half of its 60-member legislature is elected, with the other half picked by special interest groups. But Hong Kong's leader is chosen by a panel stacked with Beijing loyalists.

In democratically self-ruled Taiwan, which split from mainland China during a civil war in 1949, legislator Huang Wei-che said Chan himself "has enjoyed freedom and democracy and has reaped the economic benefits of capitalism. But he has yet to grasp the true meaning of freedom and democracy."

Chan's comments were reported by news outlets in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but were ignored by the mainland Chinese press.

Although Chan was a fierce critic of the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in June 1989, which killed at least hundreds, he has not publicly criticized China's government in recent years and is immensely popular on the mainland.

He performed during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics and took part in the Olympic torch relay .

Chan also is vice chairman of the China Film Association, a key industry group.
___
Associated Press writer Annie Huang in Taipei contributed to this report.

NAKHON SAWAN : Three pit bulls mauled a 37-year-old woman to death and injured three other people, including a 20-month-old toddler, at a rice mill in Nakhon Sawan yesterday.

(bangkokpost)

Raksina Tejwattanabamrungkij was found dead near an office of the Rong See Fai Tha Khao Taweeporn Co in Tha Tako district. Her bloodied body was covered with dog bites.

A Thai dog, Jack, lay nearby with serious wounds apparently caused by fighting with the pit bulls as it tried to save the woman.

Charoensri Lorlertrat, 53, the victim's mother-in-law and the rice mill owner, said her family raised the three pit bulls, two males and one female, and another eight Thai dogs, to guard the rice mill.

Raksina left the house at midnight to inspect the compound and release the pit bulls from where they were confined, Mrs Charoensri said.

As Raksina was away for an unusually long time and her daughter, Taweephan, was crying for her, Mrs Charoensri decided to look for her at the office. She found the three pit bulls attacking her.

Mrs Charoensri, carrying Taweephan in her arms, tried in vain to stop the angry pit bulls.

The dogs then turned on her and Taweephan. So she quickly put the baby on a pick-up truck and cried out for help until her husband, Seksuk, came out and shot dead two of the pit bulls with his .38 pistol. The other dog ran away.

Mrs Charoensri suffered serious wounds to the head, left ear and arms, while the toddler was only slightly injured on the head.

Raksina's younger brother was also bitten on his left arm and ankles. They were rushed to Tha Tako hospital.

Police suspect the pit bulls were suffering from stress as they had been locked up for too long.

NAKHON SAWAN : Three pit bulls mauled a 37-year-old woman to death and injured three other people, including a 20-month-old toddler, at a rice mill in Nakhon Sawan yesterday.

(bangkokpost)

Raksina Tejwattanabamrungkij was found dead near an office of the Rong See Fai Tha Khao Taweeporn Co in Tha Tako district. Her bloodied body was covered with dog bites.

A Thai dog, Jack, lay nearby with serious wounds apparently caused by fighting with the pit bulls as it tried to save the woman.

Charoensri Lorlertrat, 53, the victim's mother-in-law and the rice mill owner, said her family raised the three pit bulls, two males and one female, and another eight Thai dogs, to guard the rice mill.

Raksina left the house at midnight to inspect the compound and release the pit bulls from where they were confined, Mrs Charoensri said.

As Raksina was away for an unusually long time and her daughter, Taweephan, was crying for her, Mrs Charoensri decided to look for her at the office. She found the three pit bulls attacking her.

Mrs Charoensri, carrying Taweephan in her arms, tried in vain to stop the angry pit bulls.

The dogs then turned on her and Taweephan. So she quickly put the baby on a pick-up truck and cried out for help until her husband, Seksuk, came out and shot dead two of the pit bulls with his .38 pistol. The other dog ran away.

Mrs Charoensri suffered serious wounds to the head, left ear and arms, while the toddler was only slightly injured on the head.

Raksina's younger brother was also bitten on his left arm and ankles. They were rushed to Tha Tako hospital.

Police suspect the pit bulls were suffering from stress as they had been locked up for too long.

The first window in North Korea's five-day satellite launch plan has passed but Pyongyang seems determined ot launch its Taepodong-2 missile despite strong warnings that the rocket itself is highly dangerous.

A South Korean expert said conditions in the launch area were not ideal, with "somewhat strong" winds and cloud.

Neighbouring states suspect the launch of the rocket is a cover for a long-range missile test and have urged North Korea not to go ahead.

Experts are worried the rocket poses a danger every step of the launch, particularly after it takes off from North Korea.

"The Taepodong-2 is a danger to the region," said an Asian scientist. "With its obsolete design, there is substantial danger that the North Koreans will be unable to control it after launch and may not be able to destroy it if it goes astray."

The Taepodong-2 was designed as a ballistic missile from old Russian rocket designs. Unable to obtain access to the latest technology, North Korean rocket teams have attempted to make the outdated Soviet designs more powerful by strapping together multiple units.

But this makes the rocket more unreliable than ever, according to missile experts.

The last attempt to launch a Taepodong-2 in 2006 failed shortly after launch, as did an unsuccessful attempt to boost a satellite into orbit in 1998.

The highly volatile missile is likely to pass over or near Japanese airspace, putting that country at risk. If it goes off course during launch, however, there is no way to predict where it will go, or even whether the North Koreans will be able to destroy a rogue craft.

Regional powers deployed warships and trained satellites on the communist country to monitor what they suspect will be a long-range missile test.

Preparations for launching "an experimental communications satellite" were complete, state-run media said in a dispatch on Saturday morning, adding: "The satellite will be launched soon."

However, the day's stated 11am to 4pm timeframe passed without any report of a launch, possibly due to relatively strong winds reported in the area around the northeastern North Korean launch pad in Musudan-ri.

North Korea has announced its intention to send a satellite into space sometime between Saturday and Wednesday during daytime hours.

In a meeting on Friday, Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-Bak, that the "rocket launch would negatively affect peace and stability in Northeast Asia and there should be a discussion among related countries" after it takes place, Mr Lee's office said.

Billboard in Pyongyang touts the Taepodong-2 missile.

UN Security Council diplomats, anticipating a weekend emergency session, said a draft resolution was circulating that could reaffirm and tighten enforcement of the demands and sanctions of a resolution passed in October 2006 after a North Korean nuclear test. Resolution 1718 banned North Korea from ballistic missile activity.

But Washington, Seoul and Tokyo suspect North Korea's real motive is to test its long-range missile technology - a worrying development because North Korea has acknowledged it has nuclear weapons and has repeatedly broken promises to shelve its nuclear programme or halt rocket tests.

President Barack Obama said on Friday that a launch would be "provocative" and prompted the US to "take appropriate steps to let North Korea know that it can't threaten the safety and security of other countries with impunity".

"Respective nations made efforts to urge North Korea to refrain from the launch. But if North Korea really plans to launch, it is very regrettable," Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone told reporters on Saturday. (Compiled by BangkokPost.com from agency reports.)

The first window in North Korea's five-day satellite launch plan has passed but Pyongyang seems determined ot launch its Taepodong-2 missile despite strong warnings that the rocket itself is highly dangerous.

A South Korean expert said conditions in the launch area were not ideal, with "somewhat strong" winds and cloud.

Neighbouring states suspect the launch of the rocket is a cover for a long-range missile test and have urged North Korea not to go ahead.

Experts are worried the rocket poses a danger every step of the launch, particularly after it takes off from North Korea.

"The Taepodong-2 is a danger to the region," said an Asian scientist. "With its obsolete design, there is substantial danger that the North Koreans will be unable to control it after launch and may not be able to destroy it if it goes astray."

The Taepodong-2 was designed as a ballistic missile from old Russian rocket designs. Unable to obtain access to the latest technology, North Korean rocket teams have attempted to make the outdated Soviet designs more powerful by strapping together multiple units.

But this makes the rocket more unreliable than ever, according to missile experts.

The last attempt to launch a Taepodong-2 in 2006 failed shortly after launch, as did an unsuccessful attempt to boost a satellite into orbit in 1998.

The highly volatile missile is likely to pass over or near Japanese airspace, putting that country at risk. If it goes off course during launch, however, there is no way to predict where it will go, or even whether the North Koreans will be able to destroy a rogue craft.

Regional powers deployed warships and trained satellites on the communist country to monitor what they suspect will be a long-range missile test.

Preparations for launching "an experimental communications satellite" were complete, state-run media said in a dispatch on Saturday morning, adding: "The satellite will be launched soon."

However, the day's stated 11am to 4pm timeframe passed without any report of a launch, possibly due to relatively strong winds reported in the area around the northeastern North Korean launch pad in Musudan-ri.

North Korea has announced its intention to send a satellite into space sometime between Saturday and Wednesday during daytime hours.

In a meeting on Friday, Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed with his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-Bak, that the "rocket launch would negatively affect peace and stability in Northeast Asia and there should be a discussion among related countries" after it takes place, Mr Lee's office said.

Billboard in Pyongyang touts the Taepodong-2 missile.

UN Security Council diplomats, anticipating a weekend emergency session, said a draft resolution was circulating that could reaffirm and tighten enforcement of the demands and sanctions of a resolution passed in October 2006 after a North Korean nuclear test. Resolution 1718 banned North Korea from ballistic missile activity.

But Washington, Seoul and Tokyo suspect North Korea's real motive is to test its long-range missile technology - a worrying development because North Korea has acknowledged it has nuclear weapons and has repeatedly broken promises to shelve its nuclear programme or halt rocket tests.

President Barack Obama said on Friday that a launch would be "provocative" and prompted the US to "take appropriate steps to let North Korea know that it can't threaten the safety and security of other countries with impunity".

"Respective nations made efforts to urge North Korea to refrain from the launch. But if North Korea really plans to launch, it is very regrettable," Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone told reporters on Saturday. (Compiled by BangkokPost.com from agency reports.)

Tells red shirts to come out in force on April 8

By: POST REPORTERS

Published: 4/04/2009 at 12:00 AM from: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/14526/thaksin-no-negotiation

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has crushed the government's hopes of ending the political impasse, rejecting outright its offer to hold talks.

In last night's video broadcast to supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Thaksin said he would not negotiate and called on red-shirt protesters to come out in force for a mass rally on April 8.

He also urged red shirts upcountry to gather at provincial halls on that day, saying they should put up a fight for major change in the country.

Thaksin's stance was a complete brush-off of the government's offer.

''There was a rumour that someone has negotiated with me. That's not true. My movement is not for myself but the country's democracy, so I will not negotiate,'' said Thaksin.

He also denied a report that he had managed his phone-ins from somewhere in Cambodia.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva welcomed attempts to find a charismatic figure to mediate between the government and the UDD.

Upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport from the G-20 summit in London, Mr Abhisit said the government was ready for talks, but on the condition that everything must proceed under the law and in the country's interests.

''Demands can be made but they must not be against the law and national security. In that case the government is not in a position to negotiate,'' the prime minister said.

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej said a potential mediator was being approached and mediation was expected to take place before the April 8 rally.

The UDD was planning to demonstrate outside the Bangkok residence of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda to demand his resignation. Gen Prem has been accused by Thaksin of engineering the Sept 19, 2006 coup that toppled his government.

''Phuyai [senior respected figures] are highly concerned about the current situation. I think it should be done before the Songkran festival. Coordination is being done,'' said the Senate speaker.

Pongthep Thepkanchana, Thaksin's personal spokesman, yesterday cast doubt on whether Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was in a position to hold talks with Thaksin.

Mr Suthep early this week extended an olive branch to Thaksin.

According to Mr Pongthep, Mr Suthep would be better off discussing the matter with the UDD leaders.

''If Mr Suthep wants to talk, he should talk with the UDD leaders. Mr Thaksin is in no position to give any answer.''

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun yesterday urged the public to exercise their judgement during the current political strife.

He said certain issues such as bureaucratic polity had been turned into pure nonsense and they should not be taken seriously. The political quandary started a couple of years ago, but became more complex as time went on.

However, he was confident the political tension would ease if all parties concerned made a concerted effort to resolve the conflict.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Second Army commander Lt Gen Wibulsak Neepal yesterday led a group of army officers and government officials to welcome and give moral support to Gen Prem who visited the province.

Gen Prem had a 20-minute talk with Lt Gen Wibulsak, Police Region 3 commander Pol Lt Gen Krissada Pankongchuen and provincial governor Prachak Suwanphakdi.

Lt Gen Wibulsak said Gen Prem was in the province for the weekend and he did not raise any concerns.

About 200 policemen were deployed along the route to Gen Prem's residence. The red-shirt rally there proceeded without any incidents and the protesters dispersed shortly afterwards.

Privy councillor Gen Pichitr Kullavanijaya yesterday voiced frustration over the government's failure to take action against Thaksin.

He said Thaksin had offended the royal institution on several occasions and accused the ex-premier of attempting to bring down the monarchy.

Tells red shirts to come out in force on April 8

By: POST REPORTERS

Published: 4/04/2009 at 12:00 AM from: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/14526/thaksin-no-negotiation

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has crushed the government's hopes of ending the political impasse, rejecting outright its offer to hold talks.

In last night's video broadcast to supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), Thaksin said he would not negotiate and called on red-shirt protesters to come out in force for a mass rally on April 8.

He also urged red shirts upcountry to gather at provincial halls on that day, saying they should put up a fight for major change in the country.

Thaksin's stance was a complete brush-off of the government's offer.

''There was a rumour that someone has negotiated with me. That's not true. My movement is not for myself but the country's democracy, so I will not negotiate,'' said Thaksin.

He also denied a report that he had managed his phone-ins from somewhere in Cambodia.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva welcomed attempts to find a charismatic figure to mediate between the government and the UDD.

Upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport from the G-20 summit in London, Mr Abhisit said the government was ready for talks, but on the condition that everything must proceed under the law and in the country's interests.

''Demands can be made but they must not be against the law and national security. In that case the government is not in a position to negotiate,'' the prime minister said.

Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej said a potential mediator was being approached and mediation was expected to take place before the April 8 rally.

The UDD was planning to demonstrate outside the Bangkok residence of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda to demand his resignation. Gen Prem has been accused by Thaksin of engineering the Sept 19, 2006 coup that toppled his government.

''Phuyai [senior respected figures] are highly concerned about the current situation. I think it should be done before the Songkran festival. Coordination is being done,'' said the Senate speaker.

Pongthep Thepkanchana, Thaksin's personal spokesman, yesterday cast doubt on whether Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was in a position to hold talks with Thaksin.

Mr Suthep early this week extended an olive branch to Thaksin.

According to Mr Pongthep, Mr Suthep would be better off discussing the matter with the UDD leaders.

''If Mr Suthep wants to talk, he should talk with the UDD leaders. Mr Thaksin is in no position to give any answer.''

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun yesterday urged the public to exercise their judgement during the current political strife.

He said certain issues such as bureaucratic polity had been turned into pure nonsense and they should not be taken seriously. The political quandary started a couple of years ago, but became more complex as time went on.

However, he was confident the political tension would ease if all parties concerned made a concerted effort to resolve the conflict.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, Second Army commander Lt Gen Wibulsak Neepal yesterday led a group of army officers and government officials to welcome and give moral support to Gen Prem who visited the province.

Gen Prem had a 20-minute talk with Lt Gen Wibulsak, Police Region 3 commander Pol Lt Gen Krissada Pankongchuen and provincial governor Prachak Suwanphakdi.

Lt Gen Wibulsak said Gen Prem was in the province for the weekend and he did not raise any concerns.

About 200 policemen were deployed along the route to Gen Prem's residence. The red-shirt rally there proceeded without any incidents and the protesters dispersed shortly afterwards.

Privy councillor Gen Pichitr Kullavanijaya yesterday voiced frustration over the government's failure to take action against Thaksin.

He said Thaksin had offended the royal institution on several occasions and accused the ex-premier of attempting to bring down the monarchy.

By: SURASAK GLAHAN

Published: 4/04/2009 at 12:00 AM( bangkokpost)

The Criminal Court on Friday sentenced an internet user to 10 years in jail for posting web material deemed insulting to the royal family.

Suvicha Thakhor, a 34-year-old former oil engineer, held back tears as he listened to a brief statement by the court which found him guilty of posing a threat to national security.

It is the first lese majeste ruling based on the controversial 2007 Computer Crime Act which critics said could have an impact on online political debates.

The court cited offences under both the Computer Crime Act, which prohibits the posting and circulation of material regarded to be detrimental to national security or capable of stirring public panic, and the Criminal Code's lese majeste provision.

After Suvicha admitted the charges, the court reduced his jail term from 20 years to 10.

Suvicha, using an internet pseudonym, last year made available at the YouTube website an altered video clip and information which were found defamatory to the royal family, according to the court. It also said Suvicha conspired with associates, but did not name them, nor say to what extent his actions threatened domestic security.

Suvicha's lawyers said their client could appeal within a month.

Suvicha and his family burst into tears after leaving court.

"How can my family live without me? I need help," said Suvicha, a father of three.

He had spent time in prison since being arrested on Jan 14 after his bail request was denied.

Police told him to confess so that things could come to an end, he said.

"I have not met my children because I don't want them to see me here [in prison]," he said.

His wife, Thitima, said she was without work and worried about her children's future.

Suvicha's elder sister said she and her family would have to provide financial support to the children but this would be tough.

Supinya Klangnarong, of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said the verdict could have an impact on internet users. "It could affect many users who engage in political debates online. For them, the internet could now become a dangerous arena to exchange views," Ms Supinya said.

By: SURASAK GLAHAN

Published: 4/04/2009 at 12:00 AM( bangkokpost)

The Criminal Court on Friday sentenced an internet user to 10 years in jail for posting web material deemed insulting to the royal family.

Suvicha Thakhor, a 34-year-old former oil engineer, held back tears as he listened to a brief statement by the court which found him guilty of posing a threat to national security.

It is the first lese majeste ruling based on the controversial 2007 Computer Crime Act which critics said could have an impact on online political debates.

The court cited offences under both the Computer Crime Act, which prohibits the posting and circulation of material regarded to be detrimental to national security or capable of stirring public panic, and the Criminal Code's lese majeste provision.

After Suvicha admitted the charges, the court reduced his jail term from 20 years to 10.

Suvicha, using an internet pseudonym, last year made available at the YouTube website an altered video clip and information which were found defamatory to the royal family, according to the court. It also said Suvicha conspired with associates, but did not name them, nor say to what extent his actions threatened domestic security.

Suvicha's lawyers said their client could appeal within a month.

Suvicha and his family burst into tears after leaving court.

"How can my family live without me? I need help," said Suvicha, a father of three.

He had spent time in prison since being arrested on Jan 14 after his bail request was denied.

Police told him to confess so that things could come to an end, he said.

"I have not met my children because I don't want them to see me here [in prison]," he said.

His wife, Thitima, said she was without work and worried about her children's future.

Suvicha's elder sister said she and her family would have to provide financial support to the children but this would be tough.

Supinya Klangnarong, of the Campaign for Popular Media Reform, said the verdict could have an impact on internet users. "It could affect many users who engage in political debates online. For them, the internet could now become a dangerous arena to exchange views," Ms Supinya said.