Thai government files royal defamation complaint against opposition figure Thanathorn
A prominent Thai opposition politician has responded to charges of royal defamation and computer crimes. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit had been demanding for more transparency on the government's COVID-19 vaccine policy, as well as its dealings with a local drug manufacturer Siam Bioscience, which is owned by the King. Mr Thanathorn has been banned from politics and his party was dissolved in 2020. He could become the highest-profile case to be tried under the lese majeste law, which punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in jail per offence.