Man who insulted Thai monarch jailed for 3yrsIs the reverence for the royal family freely given or a result of draconian laws? Surely if this reverence is real, there would not be a need for such laws.19 January 2009
Sentence reduced...Nicolaides was originally given a six-year jail term. (Reuters: Sukree Sukplang )
An Australian man has been sentenced to three years jail in Bangkok after pleading guilty to insulting the Thai royal family.
Forty-one-year-old Melbourne man Harry Nicolaides wrote a book in 2005 which briefly referred to the private life of Thailand's Crown Prince, Vajiralongkorn - the son of the current King, Bhumipol Adulyadel.
There were tears in Nicolaides' eyes as he faced the court.
The five criminal court judges initially imposed a six year sentence, but it was reduced because he pleaded guilty.
Nicolaides told reporters after the ruling that he wished his family the best.
He was arrested in late August when he was trying to leave the country.
The lese majeste laws are fiercely upheld in Thailand where King Bhumipol is revered by his people.
Nicolaides is likely to apply for a pardon from the King.
Two years ago a Swiss man found guilty of insulting the monarchy was pardoned and deported from the country.
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Monday.
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