8 charged in Thailand’s latest case of insulting monarchy
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BANGKOK — At least eight people have been charged with insulting the monarchy for allegedly burning portraits of members of Thailand’s royal family, a legal aid group said Thursday .
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said the suspects were first arrested in May in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen and faced multiple charges for vandalizing portraits of Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his son and successor King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun. The portraits were on ceremonial arches typically found on public streets.
Lese majeste, as the offence is known, is punishable by three to 15 years’ imprisonment. At least 93 cases of lese majeste involving 138 people have been prosecuted since the military seized power in 2014, according to the lawyers’ group. Rights groups say the government’s actions are a way of silencing critics and asserting political control.
The suspects were not initially charged because police said their investigations found that the actions were more likely driven by personal conflicts or for local benefits. It said most of the suspects were 18-20 years old, with the youngest 14 years old.
