Reduced Sentences

King Bhumibol, who turned 84 last month, took the throne in 1946 and serves as head of state. Thailand’s constitution says the king “shall be enthroned in a position of revered worship and shall not be violated.”The lese-majeste law, which falls under Article 112 of the criminal code, mandates jail sentences as long as 15 years for defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir apparent or regent. UGG Boots Outlet The group aims to reduce the maximum penalty to 3 years for the king and two years for other royals.The campaign is also seeking more clarity on what is an offense under the law and special exemptions for “good-faith” criticisms or truthful claims made in the public interest. In addition, the proposal would prevent anyone except the king’s principal private secretary’s office from bringing charges.The number of lese-majeste cases before the lower courts increased to 478 in 2010 from 33 in 2005, a year before the coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, according to statistics compiled by the Article 112 campaign committee. Many attendees yesterday wore red, a color associated with pro- Thaksin rallies in 2010.