The trial of Ms Chiranuch [Premchaiporn] is an unwelcome reminder that laws on lèse-majesté, once used only sparingly, are now deployed with ferocious frequency–more for political gain than to protect the monarchy.

– Extracted from “Thailand’s monarchy: When more is less”, The Economist, 3 February 2011.

The most thorough summary of Chiranuch’s case is available here. New Mandala readers hoping to attend her trial in person will find these details pertinent.