Aust journalist optimistic of fair trial

AN Australian journalist being tried on charges of defaming the Thai navy says he is optimistic he will get a fair trial.

AN Australian journalist being tried on defamation charges brought by the Royal Thai Navy is feeling optimistic after prosecution witnesses gave evidence on the first day of the case.

ALAN Morison, 67, the Australian editor of online newspaper Phuketwan, and Thai reporter Chutima Sidasathian face up to seven years' jail if found guilty on the charges, which include breaches of Thailand's tough Computer Crimes Act.