The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Thailand to amend the laws on lese majeste.
"We are concerned about the ongoing trials and harsh sentencing of people convicted of lese majeste and the chilling effect this is having on freedom of expression," said Ravina Shamdasani, the agency's acting spokesperson.
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More than 30 supporters of Ampon "Uncle SMS" Tangnoppakul campaign in front of the Criminal Court for a change to the lese majeste law. |
"Such harsh criminal sanctions are neither necessary nor proportionate and violate Thai human rights obligations."
On Thursday a US citizen, Thai-born Lerpong Wichaikhammat, 55, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for using the internet to disseminate information that insulted the monarchy, in material posted on his blog in the United States.
Recently, the Criminal Court also sent Ampon Tangnoppakul, 61, to jail for sending four text messages deemed offensive to the monarchy.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung says his panel cracking down on websites deemed offensive to the monarchy will not amend Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which deals with lese majeste offences.
"We will focus on the crackdown. Website content found to defame the monarchy will not be made public, as it is not appropriate.
"We will not amend any Section 112 or any [related] law," said Mr Chalerm.
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