Lao authorities on Friday arrested one of three Cambodian men who had crossed illegally into the country, officials said yesterday.

The two other Cambodians reportedly escaped back to Stung Treng province’s Siem Pang district.

Va Sophann, Siem Pang’s police chief, said he had not yet heard why Lao authorities had detained Chhay Chhorn, 18, but will work hard for his release.

Hou Sam Ol, provincial monitor for human rights group Adhoc, said that most Cambodians arrested in Laos are involved in illegal logging but was not sure about this case.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mom Kunthear at [email protected]