'I'm not confessing': Hong Kong photographer to face Thai trial for 'carrying' flak jacket after Bangkok bombing

A Hong Kong photographer detained for carrying a bullet proof jacket and helmet in Thailand will face trial after pleading not guilty to a weapons possession charge on Monday.

The case has sparked outcry from media freedom groups who say journalists should not be punished for carrying body armour and protective gear in and out of dangerous zones.

Anthony Kwan Hok-chun, who works for the Hong Kong-based Initium media group, was held on August 23 after trying to depart Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport with a flak jacket and helmet in his hand luggage.

But both items are classified as weapons under Thai law and Kwan was charged with breaching the country's Arms Control Act - punishable by five years in jail.

He was in Thailand to cover the aftermath of August's deadly Bangkok bombing.

Kwan said on Monday after the hearing at the Samut Prakhan provincial court, near Bangkok, that he had been indicted.