APSN | Rights group says Thai monarchy laws need reform

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Rights group says Thai monarchy laws need reform

Associated Press - December 3, 2011

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Bangkok – Human Rights Watch is urging Thailand's government to amend harsh laws aimed at protecting the monarchy.

The New York-based rights group's call Saturday comes after a Bangkok court sentenced a Thai man last month to 20 years in prison for sending mobile phone text messages to a personal secretary of then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that were deemed offensive to the queen. The secretary filed an official complaint and police detained the man in August 2010.

Thai officials could not immediately be reached for comment Saturday.

Thailand's so-called lese majeste laws are believed to be the harshest in the world. Those found guilty of defaming the monarchy face three to 15 years behind bars under the penal code's Article 112.