Minneapolis photojournalist released from jail in Thailand

(KMSP) - Minneapolis photojournalist Hok Chun Anthony Kwan, arrested in Thailand for having protective clothing, has been temporarily released. Kwan was arrested in Bangkok on Aug. 23 for carrying a bulletproof vest and helmet in his luggage. He'd been covering the aftermath of the Bangkok bombings that killed 20 people.

Under Thai law, a license is needed to possess body armor, which is treated as a weapon.

Kwan will need to return to Thailand for a Sept. 17 bail renewal hearing. If convicted, he faces up to 5 years in prison.

Kwan was born and raised in Hong Kong, but while studying engineering at the University of Minnesota, he joined the Minnesota Daily school newspaper as a staff photographer and gave up his engineering career to become a professional freelance photographer.