The parents of a former Thai princess have been sentenced
to two-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to defaming the
monarchy.
The parents of Srirasmi Suwadee, who was recently divorced
from Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, admitted misusing their royal
connections 12 years ago.
Since last year, nine of Ms Srirasmi's relatives have been
arrested.
Thailand's royal family is protected by some of the
strictest lese majeste laws in the world.
The army staged a coup last year, and have since ramped up
the use of lese majeste.
The law prohibits any negative comments about the king,
queen, heir or regent. It carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Media organisations cannot report the full details of any
case without risking prosecution under the law.
Critics say the law restricts free speech and is used as a
tool to silence political opposition.
On Wednesday, a court sentenced Apiruj Suwadee, 72, and
his wife Wanthanee, 66, for insulting the royal family, lodging a malicious
claim and asking authorities to file false charges against their neighbour in
2003.
Ms Srirasmi gave up all her royal titles last December.
Various members of her family, including her sister and
two brothers, have now been convicted and jailed for lese majeste.
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