Thai activist charged with intention to harm Queen

Thai police on Friday charged a student activist with the severest offence yet in connection with ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations, under an article of the law covering violence against the queen. It's believed this is the first time the charge, under Article 110, has ever been brought. If found guilty Paothong Bunkueanum could face anywhere from 16 years to life imprisonment.

The 21 year old - who is often known as Francis - voluntarily gave himself up at a police station in the capital. There were emotional scenes outside as shrieking supporters hugged him and wept, before he surrendered. The charge arises after a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida and the Prince Dipangkorn encountered protestors on a road near Government House during an anti-government rally on Wednesday.

In a moment captured in photos and video that circulated widely on social media, protesters appeared to gesture and shout just metres (feet) from vehicles. Such actions are unprecedented in Thailand, where those waiting for a royal motorcade regularly sit on the ground or prostrate themselves. It isn't clear why a royal motorcade was allowed to cross paths with the demonstrators, and there was apparently no warning of its approach. Paothong said he was shocked by the charge but that he was sure he could prove his innocence.

"We were not notified by the police of the upcoming royal motorcade," he said.

"Once we know that there was a motorcade of the queen and the heir presumptive to the throne I tried to break away from the line and use my megaphone to have everyone move away from the police barriers so the motorcade can pass through easily."

After hearing the charge, he was arrested and taken away to a police base outside the capital. As he walked towards the van he sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic, also known as "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" a song from the American Civil War that commemorates the defeat of slavery. Another man, well-known activist Ekachai Hongkangwan, has also been charged with the same offence as Paothong, in connection with the same incident.

The charges come as pro-democracy protests roil the capital. The government on Thursday issued a new emergency decree banning gatherings of five or more people, but thousands defied the order later the same day, and rallied in Bangkok's central business district. They plan to return on Friday. The protestors want the Prime Minister to resign, fresh elections and a new constitution. They also want reform of the monarchy, a highly sensitive demand in a country where the royal institution is traditionally revered and seen as approach criticism.