Thai activist arrested for sharing king's profile on Facebook
An opponent of Thailand's
military-backed government has been arrested after sharing a profile of
newly installed King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Jatupat
Boonpattararaksa was detained in north-eastern Thailand and charged with
insulting the monarchy under the strict royal defamation law.
He had shared the profile, published by BBC Thai, on his Facebook page.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne on Thursday nearly two months after the death of his father.
Mr
Jatupat is thought to be the first person charged with lese-majeste
since King Vajiralongkorn, 64, officially became monarch.
The
activist, who has been involved in anti-government protests in the past,
was arrested in Chaiyaphum province. Charges were filed in the city of
Khon Kaen.
Mr Jatupat could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
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