A trial has begun in Thailand of a law student arrested after sharing an article about the country’s new King on Facebook. <br /><br />Jatupat Boonpattararaksa shared a critical profile posted on Facebook by the Thai-language service of the BBC. <br /><br />He was arrested in December and charged with insulting the monarchy. <br /><br />Jatupat is a member of a student group that has organised protests against Thailand’s military government.<br /><br />The trial is being held behind closed doors.<br /><br />Jatupat’s father, Viboon Boonpattararaksa, told reporters: “Once the testimonies are given, the court and others can see whether or not he has committed such a serious crime, by just sharing news from the BBC. <br /><br />“And if you consider all other evidence it should be clear that Pai (Jatupat’s nickname) has no reason to flee, therefore, there is no reason to deny his bail.” <br /><br />Jatupat faces up to 15 years in prison.<br />
