Royal Watch News

King Bhumibol pardons US citizen

Jul 11, 2012, 12:02 GMT

King Bhumibol

Thailand's King Bhumibol has pardoned a US citizen who was jailed for defaming the country's royal family.

Thai-born Joe Gordon was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison in December after being accused of posting excerpts of a banned biography of the king online.

He posted the items while in the US but was arrested when he visited Thailand, which has strict laws against defaming the monarchy, in May 2011.

No reason has been given for Mr. Gordon's pardon but he was freed from Bangkok's Remand prison yesterday (10.07.12).

US embassy spokesman Walter Braunohler said: 'We are pleased that His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej granted Joe Gordon a royal pardon, which allowed him to be released from prison.

'We urge Thai authorities on a regular basis, both privately and publicly, in Bangkok and in Washington, to ensure that freedom of expression is protected in accordance with its international obligations.'

It is not known where Mr. Gordon - whose five-year jail sentence was halved after he admitted his guilt - currently is or if he will return to the US.