Lèse-majesté laws in Thailand criminalize insults or threats to the royal family. The laws are controversial because critics say they are used to suppress all public discussion and criticism of the monarchy. Under the laws, offenses against the royal family are punishable by 3-15 years in prison. Several individuals have recently been charged and sentenced under these laws for online posts or comments insulting the king and royal family. The harsh sentences underscore Thailand's sensitivity around protecting the royal institution during a time of political turmoil and as the aging king's health declines.

1. lèse-majesté laws
Name: Krit Phosamritlert
Date: January 30, 2011
Period: 4
1) What does “lèse-majesté” mean?
An offense or crime committed against the ruler or supreme power of a state
2) Under Thai law what is the range of imprisonment for lèse-majesté?
3-15 years
3) Who is Pirapan Salirathavibhaga and what is his mission?
To toughen controversial laws protecting the monarchy and crack down on
unprecedented levels of criticism of the palace stemming from recent political
turmoil
4) Who is Da Torpedo and why was she charged with lèse-majesté?
Supporter of Taksin, insulted the majesty
5) Critics claim that the lese-majeste laws are …
Preventing not just criticism but any public discussion at all about the royal
family
6) Why did Giles Ungpakorn leave Thailand?
He believed he wouldn’t have received a fair trial
7) Why was Suwicha Thakhor charged with lèse-majesté?
Police traced the online postings to his home computer. The harsh sentence is
latest move in what critics say is a concerted campaign to suppress political
debate in the kingdom.
8) What was his initial sentence and why was it reduced?
His initial sentence was 20 years but was reduced to 10 because he pleaded he
was guilty.
9) Why was Chotisak Onsoong charged with lèse-majesté?
Insulting the monarchy for refusing to stand during the royal anthem that
precedes all movie screenings in Thailand

2. 10) What did a radio station suggest its listeners should do?
Urged listeners to attack Chotisak when he was scheduled to appear at a panel
discussion on lese majeste at Thammasat University
11) What was Oliver Jufer offence?
Drunkenly spray-painting posters of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the
northern city of Chiang Mai
12) What maximum sentence could he have faced?
75 years
13) What was Harry Nicolaides offence?
For insulting the monarchy is one of a recent flurry of such cases, underlining
Thailand's sensitivity about how to safeguard the royal institution when 83-
year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-serving head of state,
passes from the scene
14) What warning did the prosecutor give to newpapers?
The law prohibited publication and repetition of abuse of royal power and
dishonor to the royal family.