Thai woman handed record four-decade jail term for lese majeste

13 Sept 11:37 Key points summarised by AI

A Thai woman, identified as Anchan, received a record 43-year prison sentence for 29 counts of lese majeste, marking the harshest punishment ever under Thailand's strict royal defamation laws.
Her original 87-year sentence was halved due to her confession to sharing audio clips critical of the monarchy, a case that originated six years ago following a 2014 military coup.
This verdict reflects Thailand's intensified use of lese majeste laws against democracy protesters, who are demanding reforms to the monarchy and the abolition of this controversial legislation.
Analysts suggest the severe ruling is politically motivated to intimidate activists, warning that such harsh implementation could backfire and damage the monarchy's reputation both domestically and internationally.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.