Defamation of former Thai king: 5 held

BANGKOK: Five people have been charged with lese-majesty offences in Thailand, police confirmed yesterday, amid increasing public aggression towards those allegedly defaming late king Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died last week aged 88.

Deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said the five stand accused of defaming the late monarch on social media.

He also urged Thais to refrain from sharing posts deemed to be defaming or insulting the royal family online.

Thailand’s lese-majesty law is one of the toughest in the world. Those found in violation can face up to 15 years in jail.

Thais were urged to remain calm and not take matters into their own hands following reports of physical and verbal abuse against those considered to have defamed the late king.