Bangkok: A Thai web designer convicted of defaming Thailand`s monarchy has been released from jail after receiving a royal pardon from the king.
Activist and academic Suda Rangkupan said Tanyawut Taweewarodomkul was freed from Bangkok Remand Prison on Friday.
Tanyawut designed a website associated with Thailand`s Red Shirt movement. He was convicted in 2010 of insulting the monarchy by posting defamatory comments against Thailand`s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and allowing such comments to be posted.
Thailand`s law protecting the monarchy from defamation, or lese majeste, is the world`s harshest. It mandates a jail term of between three to 15 years.
Tanyawut was sentenced to 10 years for two counts of lese majeste and another three for violating Thailand`s Computer Crime Act. The royal pardon came after he had served three years.
PTI
