Mr. Anon said the boundaries of what has been considered lèse-majesté, as royal insults are known, had expanded drastically in recent years. Last year, a prominent scholar was accused of insulting a king who died 400 years ago. The list of people who have been investigated now includes the American ambassador to Thailand.
The law applies to anyone who specifically defames the king, the queen, the heir apparent or the regent, but Mr. Anon said he was incredulous that it could be broadened to include a household pet.
“I never imagined they would use the law for the royal dog,” he said. “It’s nonsense.”
The next legal step, the lawyer said, would be his client’s indictment, but he added that no time frame had been set by the authorities.