BBC reporter under pressure in Thailand

The BBC has come under fire in Thailand over allegations that one of its correspondents has insulted the monarchy (Via Newswatch India)

There have been two separate complaints.The first concerning comments made at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand questioning the role of the monarchy in the military.The second that BBC correspondent Jonathan Head

over a two-year period had “intended to criticize the monarchy several times” and that “his writings have damaged and insulted the reputation of the monarchy”,

The corporation has described the charges as being "totally unfounded" and the reporter himself denied that any of his reporting has criticised the monarchy.

And the committee to protect journalists has called upon the Thai authorities to dismiss these charges against BBC correspondent Jonathan Head

"King Bhumibol Adulyadej said himself during a nationally televised address in 2005 that the monarchy is not above criticism. Those prosecuting Head should accept that guidance and throw out this and all future lese majeste cases

The crime of insulting the monarchy carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in Thailand