Bangkok: In a significant move, a Thai man, Mongkol Thirakot, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for criticizing the monarchy. This marks the longest jail term ever given under Thailand's strict royal insult laws.

The appeal court in Chiang Rai increased Mongkol's initial 28-year sentence, which he received from a lower criminal court, finding him guilty on 11 additional counts related to posts on his personal Facebook account.

The lese-majeste law, known as Section 112, shields King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family from criticism. Mongkol, a former pro-democracy activist who owns an online clothing store, was initially arrested in 2021 during a protest advocating for the release of political prisoners.

This ruling comes amid increased use of the controversial legislation against pro-democracy protesters, sparking concerns about stifling dissent in the country.

The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that this 50-year sentence surpasses the previous record of 43 years imposed on a woman in 2021 for royal defamation. Mongkol Thirakot plans to appeal the sentence at the Supreme Court.

Since the 2020 protest movement began, over 250 activists have faced charges under lese-majeste laws. On Wednesday, another prominent protest leader, lawyer Arnon Nampa, had his initial four-year lese-majeste sentence extended by an additional four years.