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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rebecca Ratcliffe

Thailand’s lese majesty laws explained in 30 seconds

Thailand Prison
Thailand celebrates King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday
Thailand celebrates King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd birthday Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images

Under article 112 of the Thailand’s criminal code, criticism of the monarchy is punishable with between three and 15 years in prison. It’s one of the most severe laws of its kind – known as lese majesty – anywhere in the world.

People in Thailand have been prosecuted for political speeches, wearing clothes deemed to be an impersonation of the royals, or for being involved in the sale of satirical cartoons. If a person is hit with multiple cases, they can face decades in prison: in January 2024 a man was sentenced to 50 years over his comments about the royal family.

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