Thai web radio host jailed for insulting monarch

Thai web radio host jailed for insulting monarch
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Summary Thai military court has sentenced a Thai web radio host to five years in prison

BANGKOK (AP) - A Thai military court has sentenced a Thai web radio host to five years in prison because it found the contents of his show insulted the country s monarch.

Lawyer Sasinan Thamnithinan says the court found Kathawut Boonpitak guilty of violating Thailand s lese majeste law, which punishes people who defame, insult or threaten the monarchy.

It was the first verdict on a lese majeste case that was delivered by the military court. After staging the May 22 coup, the military announced all such cases fall in their court s jurisdiction.

Sasinan said Tuesday the court sentenced the defendant to less than the possible 10 years  imprisonment because he had confessed to the offense.

She said Kathawut made the comments on the show on his website in March.

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