Thai opposition politician Thanathorn defends criticism of govt's COVID-19 vaccine policy

A banned Thai opposition politician has defended his criticism of the government's COVID-19 vaccine strategy, which heavily relies on a local manufacturer owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit has been charged with insulting the monarchy, but he has vowed to keep campaigning for reforms. Mr Thanathorn would become the highest profile case to be charged with royal defamation that punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in jail per offence.