King critic wins award
SEOUL: A Thai law student arrested for sharing a critical article about his king that was posted on Facebook is this year’s winner of South Korea’s most prestigious human rights award.
Organisers for the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Award said the parents of Jatupat “Pai Dao Din” Boonpattararaksa would receive the award on his behalf.
Police in Thailand arrested Jatupat in December for sharing a critical profile about King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bod indra de bay a va rang ku nan that was posted on Facebook by the Thai-languages er vice of the BBC.
Under Thai law, insulting the monarchy is a crime that carries a prison term of three to 15 years. Critics say the country uses the law to silence political dissidents.
Jatupat, who was indicted in February and has been denied bail several times, is a member of Dao Din, a student organisation that has protested against Thailand’s military government.
The May 18 Memorial Foundation, which organises the Gwangju Prize, said Jatupat’s “strength, courage and indomitable struggle” showed he is “willing to sacrifice his safety and future to protect democracy.” AP