An American citizen has pleaded guilty to insulting Thailand's monarchy, an offence that carries up to 15 years in prison. Lerpong Wichaikhammat, who also calls himself Joe W Gordon, has asked Washington to seek his release on grounds of freedom of expression.
Thailand has the world's toughest laws on lese-majesty – insulting the monarchy – and many of its people regard King Bhumibol Adulyadej as almost divine.
Thai-born Lerpong, 55, was charged with using the internet to disseminate information that insults or threatens the monarchy after he translated an article and posted it on his blog.
He was also accused of providing a web link to a controversial biography of 83-year-old Bhumibol by aUS author. The book is banned in Thailand.
"I plead guilty because no one can win the case," Lerpong told journalists in the court. The judges will give their verdict on 9 November.
"I have no chance. I want the American government to help release me. This is a case of freedom of expression."
Lerpong, a dual Thai-American citizen, was also charged with contravening the country's computer crimes laws. When he was arrested in May he denied all charges.
The US embassy in Bangkok said he was receiving consular assistance.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/10/us-man-insulting-thai-monarchy
