Thai Funeral Shines Light On Royal Family Law
Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Thailand for the funeral of Amphon Tangnoppakul, also known as 'Uncle SMS'. He died less than six months into a 20-year prison sentence for sending four text messages that were deemed insulting to the Thai monarchy. Tangnoppakul's death has shone a light on Thailand's strict lese majeste laws, which were designed to prevent criticism of the royal family. Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawtra has admitted to Al Jazeera that the law is sometimes misused, while a growing portion of the public is now calling for it to be changed. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Samut Prakan, Thailand.