Thai woman gets prison term for insulting monarchy

18 years...makes me appreciate my freedom of speech (even if we do have to deal with some idiots now and then)

Damn, I'm so intimidated I'm afraid to say negative things about the Thai monarchy even in here. Long live his majesty!

Thaksin’s “red-shirt” supporters view him as the country’s rightfully elected leader

In the Trekkian sense?

Thailand’s lese majeste law, which mandates a jail term of three to 15 >years for anyone who “defames, insults, or threatens the King, the >Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent.”

The "threaten" part I can understand. But the "insults"? Anyone know if other countries with monarchies and sundry royalties have similar laws about insulting them?

I'm not sure I want to visit that country, again.

OssanAmerica

About 100 years ago it would have been the norm in numerous countries. These days, I guess some countries in the Middle East and Africa with monarchs would have similar laws.

The deference Thais show (in public at least) to their monarchy is quite something to see. I think they'll find it harder to stay on the right side of the lese majeste law once the current Crown Prince takes the throne. His reputation isn't nearly as untarnished as his father's. Wondering if this comment will be posted now actually!

Ironically, the King does not support these Lese majeste prosecutions. It is the government that insists on them.

Ironically, the King does not support these Lese majeste prosecutions. It is the government that insists on them.

So he says.