Summons issued for seven leaders over lese majeste mark first use of laws in more than two years.
Police in Thailand have summoned seven leaders of anti-government protests to face charges of insulting the monarchy and cordoned off parts of Bangkok, ahead of a planned demonstration to demand that the king give up control of the royal fortune.
It will be the first time such charges have been brought under so-called lese majeste laws which cover insults to the royal family in more than two years. Anyone found guilty faces up to 15 years in prison.
Protests that began in July against Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha have increasingly turned to demands to curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, breaking a long-standing taboo on criticising the monarchy.
One of the seven, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, said his family had received a summons for lese majeste in addition to other charges…
