Lebanese national denies hand in Thai terror plot

A detained Lebanese national in Thailand suspected of plotting an attack in Bangkok pleaded not guilty in his first appearance before a Thai judge, said his lawyer on Wednesday. Police seized fertiliser and ammonium nitrate in the man's rented apartment in the Samut Sakhon province, near the capital. The materials are known to be used in making explosives and require a licence for their possession. The lawyer stated he first met his client before the court session. He added that the suspect will appear before court once again in May, saying he had not submitted any request for bail, and that he might face a sentence of up to five years. The lawyer explained that so far his client was not accused of terrorism.