Record Sentences Today For Facebook Lese Majeste Offenses
CHIANG MAI — Thailand’s military courts today sentenced two people in separate court cases to a combined 58 years in prison for allegedly insulting the monarchy over Facebook, breaking records for punishment of the crime in recent history.
Prayuth Eager To ‘Reach Understanding’ With New US Ambassador
BANGKOK — Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said today he is eagerly looking forward to meeting the new United States ambassador to Thailand.
30 Years In Prison For Facebooker Who ‘Insulted’ Monarchy
BANGKOK — A military tribunal today sentenced a man to 30 years in prison, one of the longest such sentences in recent years, for allegedly insulting the Thai monarchy on his Facebook.
Thailand Considers Cloning Ancient Contested Temple
SI SA KET — Those fighting over sacred sites elsewhere in the world should take note of this innovative solution.
Man Gets Five Years for Destroying Thai King Portrait
CHIANG RAI — A Chiang Rai man was sentenced to five years in prison today for destroying a portrait of His Majesty the King a year ago, despite his lawyers’ insistence that he was mentally disabled.
US Senate Confirms New Ambassador for Thailand
BANGKOK — The United States Senate has cleared the way for a senior career diplomat and Asian troubleshooter to assume his post as the top American diplomat in Thailand.
Falung Gong Wins Right to Organize in Thailand
BANGKOK — A decade after being denied the right to form an association in Thailand, a religious group banned in mainland China has been granted that right by a Thai court.
Debate Flares Over Adding 'Reform Before Election' Question to Voters
BANGKOK — Organizers of the upcoming referendum on what would be Thailand’s 20th constitution said they remain unsure whether to put a “reform before election” question onto the ballot.
Army Chief Says Elections Could Be Delayed
BANGKOK — Thailand’s army chief said today its plan for new elections may be postponed if unspecified events take place.
Interim Parliament Chairman Rejects Suthep’s Call for ‘Reform Before Election’
BANGKOK — The top lawmaker in the junta’s National Legislative Assembly today said the military government cannot extend its stay in power as demanded by conservative activist Suthep Thaugsuban.
