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WASHINGTON — The United States said Monday it is troubled by recent court rulings in Thailand inconsistent with international standards of freedom of expression.
On Nov. 23, a Thai court sentenced Amphon Tangnoppakul, 61, to 20 years in prison for sending four text messages deemed offensive to the Thai queen. Amphon was punished under tough laws aimed at protecting the monarchy and combating computer crimes.
Later this week, Thai-born American Joe Gordon is due to be sentenced for translating excerpts of a locally banned biography of Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej and posting them online. Gordon has pleaded guilty to the alleged crimes committed years ago while living in Colorado and faces up to 15 years in jail.
