Ex-Pheu Thai MP Confesses to Lese Majeste

BANGKOK — A former Pheu Thai lawmaker pleaded guilty to lese majeste charges today after initially denying the accusations in a statement submitted to the court last week.

Prasit Chaisrisa was accused of insulting the Thai monarchy for comments he made during a Redshirt rally in May. Defaming the royal family, known as lese majeste, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under Thailand's Criminal Code. 

The former MP has been held in Bangkok's Remand prison since he was arrested on 29 May. As is common with lese majeste suspects, Prasit was denied release on bail. 

The Criminal Court said today that it will announce its ruling on 3 December. 

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Since seizing power on 22 May, Thailand's military junta has made persecuting percieved "anti-monarchists" and lese majeste offenders a top priority.

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