Jail For "Liking," A Facebook Post?

A 27-year-old is facing up to 32 years in jail for sharing an edited photo of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej with around 600 friends.

17:50 14 December 2015

27-year-old Thai man Thanakorn Siripaiboon is in custody after he was arrested for sharing an edited photo of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej and infographic on a Thai corruption scandal with around 600 friends.

 

He was arrested at his home in Samut Prakan province.

 

Under Thai law, anyone convicted of insulting the revered but ailing 88-year-old king can be jailed for 15 years on each count.

 

Colonel Burin Thongprapai, a military junta legal officer, said: "On December 2, he clicked the 'like' link on a doctored photo of the king and shared it with 608 friends."

 

He added that Thanakorn has confessed to charges of sedition, lese majeste, and computer crimes. He is now facing up to 32 years behind bars.

 

Human rights lawyers warned that Mr Thanakorn could become of the victims of "enforced disappearance" in the military-ruled country.

 

"He is under military custody," said Col Burin Thongprapai, adding that he would appear at a military court on Monday.

 

"He is well and in good condition," he added.

 

In the last two months, at least two people have died in custody after being charged with lese majeste.