Insult trial begins

BANGKOK: Testimony began yesterday in the trial of a prominent Thai student dissident’s mother who faces up to 20 years in prison for writing the word “yeah” in a Facebook conversation about the country’s monarchy, following a complaint by an army officer.

Domestic worker Patnaree Chankij is accused of insulting the monarch. Critics believe the real purpose of the case is to pressure her son, Siriwit Seritiwat, an outspoken activist against the military junta. – AP