<div><em>Thailand’s military courts have handled more than 1,400 cases involving more than 1,600 civilian defendants. The most pressing problem has been the overuse of pre-trial detention against those accused of lèse majesté or criminal possession of war weapons, which simply turned them into “forgotten prisoners.” If they decide to fight the charges, these civilians would face almost indefinite detention – both because of the seriousness of the charges against them and the Court’s own slow procedures. </em></div>
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<div><em>When Anchan was arrested last year, she was 58 years old and was about to retired after working for the Revenue Department for more than 30 years. Because she has become a lese majeste suspect, she will not get any pension and benefits.</em></div>
<p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3eb0ad1c-5239-cf60-83af-afc1526f2822">Thai police last week arrested six people who were allegedly part of a criminal organization defaming the monarchy on the internet. The group is allegedly led by a self-exiled red-shirt named “Banpodj,” with support of a financier. </span></p>
<p>Thai police arrested six people as part of a “criminal organization” for distributing online materials allegedly defaming the monarchy. </p>
<p>Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thavornsiri, spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, held a press briefing on Monday on the arrests of six lèse majesté suspects: Damrong S., Siwaporn P., Ngernkoon U., Paisit J., Anchan P., and Tara W.</p>