DHAKA: The parents of a former Thai princess have been detained under the lese majeste law, the strict defamation rules that protect the royal family.

Srirasmi Suwadee’s parents confessed that they had misused royal connections to have their former neighbour jailed on a bogus fraud charge 12 years ago.

Srirasmi, who is divorced from Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, has now seen nine relatives arrested.

The military took power last year and have ramped up the use of lese majeste, reports the BBC.

The law prohibits any negative comments about the king, queen, heir or regent. It carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Srirasmi’s parents - Apiruj, 72, and Wanthanee, 66 - said they had confessed to all charges.

“We plead for mercy from the royal family,” said Apiruj.

BDST: 2053 HRS, FEB 27, 2014