Thai teen among latest group held for 'royal insults'

Thailand has seen an uptick in lese majeste cases since the December ascension of King Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father's popularity.

Bangkok (AFP) - A 14-year-old boy has been detained in a Thai army prison under a draconian and increasingly wielded royal defamation law, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, as it decried the secrecy surrounding the latest series of arrests.

The law in Thailand forbids any criticism of the monarchy and punishes transgressors with up to 15-years in jail for each offence.