Many countries of the world have highly unjust, discriminatory, inhumane and harsh laws like blasphemy or laws against homosexuality. But only a selected few can match the draconian Lèse Majesté laws of Thailand. Lèse Majesté means the criticism, bad press, slander, or insult towards the dignity of a ruling monarch or other members of the royal household. I
A man in Thailand has recently been sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for a Facebook post related to the royal family.
Wichai, 34, whose name has been withheld was accused of using the social media account to slander a former friend. He was convicted by a Bangkok military court. Initially, he was to be given 70 years imprisonment, but it was reduced to half because he confessed. Another man was sentenced to 2.5 years for uploading a talk show clip on Facebook which was critical of the King.
The laws protect the powerful monarchy from any scrutiny or criticism and those booked under it are rarely granted bail. The law has been strongly criticized by the UN and other international human rights organization.
The military Junta, which is ruling since 2015, has been criticized for using the law to silence opponents and critics.
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