Sedition charges against Thai man for appreciating doctored image of the country’s king on the social networking website
The accused had over 600 friends on the social networking website.
London: A Thai man may get 32 years in jail for "liking" and sharing on Facebook a doctored image of the country’s king.
The accused had over 600 friends on the social networking website. Representation pic/Getty Images
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Thanakorn Siripaiboon, 27, was arrested on Thursday from his home in Samut Prakan province of Thailand for "liking" and sharing a doctored photo of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as well as an infographic on a Thai corruption scandal.
The man, who shared the image with nearly 600 friends on Facebook, has been charged with sedition and insulting the king after criticising a corruption scandal.
‘Violating majesty’
Under Thai law, anyone convicted of insulting the revered 88-year-old king, now ailing, can face up to 15 years in jail on each count.
"On December 2, he clicked the ‘like’ link on a doctored photo of the king and shared it with 608 friends," said a military officer.
Lese majeste is the crime of violating majesty, an offence against the dignity of a reigning sovereign or against a state.
Bad record
In the last two months, at least two people, including the celebrity fortune teller of the crown prince, have died in custody after being charged with lese majeste.
"He is under military custody and is well and in good condition," the military officer said adding that the man would appear before a military court today.
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