[ad_1]
These are about 15 protest leaders who are accused of having criticized the king in protests that have taken place in Thailand in recent months, according to Reuters.
Thailand is known for having one of the strictest majesty laws in the world. Anyone who criticizes or mocks the monarchy has risked up to 15 years in prison.
But the law, according to information at the request of the king, has not been used since 2018.
Now the law seems to be in use again. The change comes after the protest movement that has been developing since July has broken previous taboos to criticize the royal family. It’s a turnaround in Thailand, where royalty has been worshiped as sacred and the Law of Majesty has tied up any criticism. But the youth in this year’s protests have blown up that wall. In addition to demanding the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and the drafting of a new constitution, they have demanded that the power of the royal family be reduced.
Kung Vajiralongkorn has received harsh criticism for spending too much time in Germany. But also because it has been done with more power. Among other things, he has declared that the fortune of the royal family is his. That makes him by far the richest person in Thailand. In addition, he has personally taken command of all Bangkok-based military units.
The protests last week were violent. 41 people were injured after clashes between police and protesters on their way to parliament, where a debate on the constitution was taking place. The protesters threw firebombs at the police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas.
Today Wednesday new protests are expected, this time outside the institution that controls the fortune of the royal family.
Read more: Marianne Björklund: Historical turning point when Thais criticize the royal family
