Writer sentenced for 'Thai insult'
Updated on 19 January 2009
An Australian writer has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of insulting the Thai monarchy.
Harry Nicolaides, a 41-year-old who worked as an English teacher in Thailand, was initially sentenced to six years but saw his term reduced after he pleaded guilty to 'Lese-majeste', a very serious offence in Thailand.
The charge stemmed from a passage in his 2005 self-published novel Verisimilitude, in which he referred to the scandalous lifestyle of an un-named Thai Crown Prince.
Nicolaides was arrested at Bangkok airport as he tried to leave the country last September.
Appearing in court shackled in leg irons and wearing orange prison overalls, he told reporters before the verdict that the case seemed like he was in a bad dream, describing it as an "Alice in Wonderland experience".
After hearing the sentence, he said he felt "dreadful" and wished his family the best.
In Thailand, many people highly revere 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and insulting the monarchy is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Even though the King himself has said he should not be above criticism, the police feel the need to investigate every complaint, fearful that dismissing even the most trivial cases might be considered disrespectful.
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