Home » Latest News »

American Gets 2.5 Years for Insulting Thai Monarchy

By Rebecca Davis on December 13, 2011 3:38 pm in Latest News, US News, World News / no comments

Joe Gordon, a 55-year-old American citizen, was sentenced to serve 2.5 years behind bars for insulting Thailand’s royal family, media in Thailand reported. He translated and posted online selections from a biography about the Thai Monarch, while the book is banned in the country. The Thai-born Gordon was taken into custody when he visited Thailand in May this year. Two years ago he posted excerpts from the book on his blog.

American Jailed Thai Monarchy

Gordon, who lives in Colorado, was sentenced to five years in jail but after pleading before a local court the judge cut his sentence to 30 months in prison. U.S. Consul General Elizabeth Pratt told journalists that this is a severe punishment, while Gordon’s attorney, Arnon Nampa, commented that local citizens get more severe sentences in similar cases. Nampa intends to ask for a royal pardon for his client instead of appealing the court sentence.

The biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, titled “The King Never Smiles,” claims that the Thai monarch has prevented the country from developing a true democracy. Insulting the monarchy in Thailand is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. An elderly Thai man was sentenced to 20 years in jail in November only for sending four messages considered to be insulting to the queen.

Surfing Dolphins Make Waves In Florida
February 24, 2012
iPad 2 Sells for $100.03! Free Bid Giveaway!
February 24, 2012
Huge Whale Shark Caught
February 21, 2012
Argentina to File Protest Against Great Britain at U.N.
February 9, 2012
5000 Missing in Mexico Drug War
February 2, 2012

About the author

Rebecca Davis began her career in journalism 10 years ago. Her passion includes a wide range of topics that include music and movies. With a forward vision on delivering accurate content to her readers about the hottest entertainment topics, you can be certain that Ms. Davis will focus on the issues that are important for you. Ms. Davis does hold a degree in Journalism and feels that painting the full picture on any story is essential. When she began her career, she was a general news reporter and then quickly moved on to the Entertainment columns. With her experience, she is able to deliver a quality article that you can count on. During her time as an entertainment writer she has worked on everything from reviews to celebrity interviews. Her articles are gripping and honest and this is one of the reasons why she has achieved a strong readership level over the years. With a wide range of experience, she continues to grow her experience levels with a focus on expanding her career in new directions. When Davis isn't working on breaking entertainment news, she can be found working on other personal interest stories. In recent years, she has worked on relationship advice, suicide prevention and how to handle domestic violence with loved ones. Her vast experience of knowledge has helped her to become recognized as a socially conscious individual who has quickly become a trusted individual. If you have any questions for Ms. Davis or have information on a breaking story, please take the time to contact her.