Politicians have come out in support of the Kingdom’s lèse majesté law, amid calls from pro-democracy activists to have it abolished. The law, officially Section 112 of the Criminal Code, prohibits criticising, defaming, or insulting the Thai Monarchy. At least 12 political activists have recently been charged with lèse majesté offences for their role in various anti-government rallies.
On Thursday, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk from the 24 June Democracy Restoration group, submitted a petition to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling on it to intervene to prevent the law being used against pro-democracy activists. Protesters calling for an end to the law gathered outside the UN building on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue and at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanee Sangrat says that, while the OHCHR will…
