Trio accused of insulting Thai king kept in jail

Three Thai protest leaders were remanded in custody yesterday pending their trial for criticising King Maha Vajiralongkorn. They are being prosecuted under a strict lese-majesty law that makes insulting the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

A criminal court denied bail for Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, 22, Panupong Jadnok, 24, and Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, 29, who face charges of lese-majesty and 10 other offences, including sedition, after a Sept 19 protest near Bangkok’s royal palace.

The three deny all charges and their trial is set for March 15.