US Citizen Charged with Insulting Thai Monarchy

Thai-born Lerpong Wichaikhammat, 54, was arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima province in northeast Thailand and is currently being held at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

"He translated articles which are deemed insulting to the monarchy and posted them on his blog. Also he provided a link to a book perceived as critical of the royal family," said police Lieutenant Colonel Kovit Tardmee.

"He left Thailand when he was 35 and returned for medical treatment in November 2009. He was scheduled to go back to the US this December." he added.

The US embassy said it was providing consular assistance to the man.

Lerpong was denied bail. He was charged with lese majeste, subversion and uploading or linking to false information under the Computer Crime Act.