Thai pro-democracy leaders summoned over royal defamation

Thai pro-democracy protest leaders have been summoned by police to answer charges of royal defamation.

A woman walks past razor wire set up in front of the Crown Property Bureau in Bangkok on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

Twelve Thai pro-democracy protest leaders have been summoned by police to ­answer charges of royal defamation, the first use of the draconian law in almost three years, as Bangkok gears up for another major rally.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha gave the green light for authorities to lay lese majeste charges, which bar any criticism of the royal family, against demonstrators who could now face up to 15 years in prison.

Thailand has for months been rocked by youth-led protests ­demanding a new constitution, reform of the monarchy, and for Mr Prayut to ­resign. Tensions are rising — officers deployed water cannon and tear gas at a rally outside parliament last week, with 55 people injured and six shot.

Protesters were on Wednesday to rally outside the main ­office of the Siam Commercial Bank, in which the king is a major shareholder.

AFP