Activists remanded after ‘insulting’ king

BANGKOK: Four Thai activists were remanded in prison yesterday after being prosecuted for insulting the king, their lawyer said, as the first cases of lese majeste stemming from rallies that demanded reforms to the powerful monarchy went to court.

The protesters had broken traditional taboos by criticising king Maha Vajiralongkorn, risking prosecution under article 112 of the criminal code that make insulting or defaming the royal family a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

At least 58 activists have been charged under those laws since November, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group.