Hear Ye .. hear Ye !!!
Beware of the laws in Thailand...
Unlike the US where it is ok to insult the president or burn the US flag,
In Thailand insulting the king is a serious offence.
An Australian author and former university lecturer (Nicolaides) has begun serving a three-year prison sentence after being convicted yesterday of lese majeste in a novel written more than three years ago.
"He has written a book that slandered the King, the Crown Prince of Thailand and the monarchy," the judge said
"He was found guilty under article 112 of the Criminal Law," the judge said
Before the hearing, Nicolaides told reporters in a tearful voice: "I was aware there were obscure laws [about the monarchy] but I didn't think they would apply to me.
"I would like to apologise. This can't be real. It feels like a bad dream."
Nicolaides said he had "unqualified respect for the King of Thailand" and had not intended to insult him.
He broke into tears upon hearing the verdict and emerging from the court to meet friends who arrived at the court to give him moral support.
A gaunt-looking Nicolaides - who has been in custody for nearly five months - told reporters as he left the court he felt "dreadful", adding: "I wish my family the best."
"I would like to apologise. This can't be real. It feels like a bad dream."
Nicolaides said he had "unqualified respect for the King of Thailand" and had not intended to insult him.
He broke into tears upon hearing the verdict and emerging from the court to meet friends who arrived at the court to give him moral support.
A gaunt-looking Nicolaides - who has been in custody for nearly five months - told reporters as he left the court he felt "dreadful", adding: "I wish my family the best."
Read the whole story here -
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