She had initially been given 87 years, with three years imposed for each of the 29 clips shared, but the sentence was halved after she confessed.

Anchan was among 85 inmates granted clemency from the Central Women's Correctional Institution in Bangkok.

"It's been more than eight years, which feels like my whole life. It's a bitter feeling for me because it's not my place. It’s torture," Anchan said after her release. "I feel very happy. I didn't think it would be so warm and welcoming like this."

Thailand’s lese-majeste law , also known as Section 112, has been criticised by rights groups for its broad application, with warnings that it has been used to silence legitimate criticism and dissent.

In 2021, Anchan’s case marked the longest sentence ever imposed for royal insult until 2024, when a 32-year-old online seller, Mongkol Thirakot, was sentenced to at least 50 years over Facebook posts deemed insulting to the monarchy.

Earlier this month, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was acquitted of royal insult charges over a 2015 interview in which he was accused of making remarks critical of the monarchy.

Several rights organisations, including Amnesty International , welcomed Anchan’s release as a rare reprieve for political prisoners in Thailand.

Last month, Thai lawmakers rejected an amnesty bill for lese-majeste offenders, a decision rights groups described as a setback.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, more than 280 people have been prosecuted under Section 112 in the past five years, with cases rising sharply following the student-led protests of 2020, during which some demonstrators made unprecedented public criticism of the king.

"I wish the amnesty would be enforced on ordinary people too,” Anchan said.

What they said

Providing updates on the issue, Wim Dehandschutter, royal commentator, wrote on X , "The plane of Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, with which they were supposed to return home after their state visit to Chile, is being repaired at the airport. Due to a damaged wheel, they can’t leave. The Belgian delegation has to get out and is taken away by bus".

He has been unconscious for nearly 20 years after the incident and has been in a coma.

He has been kept alive ever since with the help of machines at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. His family has cared for him and refused to give up hope.

Doctors had suggested removing him from life support, but his father, Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, chose to keep fighting for his son’s life.

"If God had wanted him to die in the accident, he would have been in his grave now," his father was quoted by local reports .

Prince Al-Waleed is a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

In 2019, small movements like raising a finger or turning his head gave the family some hope, but he remains in a coma today, connected to a ventilator and feeding tube.

The event marked an iconic occasion in Thai culture, as 72 years is seen as a special milestone in the 12-year birthday cycle.

The king’s actual birthday is on July 28, but this celebration followed the tradition of holding such parades around December.

Queen Suthida, Queen of Thailand and the fourth wife of King Vajiralongkorn led the parade in her role as Commander of the Combined Guards Unit.

Princess Sirivannavari, the king’s youngest daughter, also participated, leading the Royal Horse Guards Regiment.

Military commanders also led troops in swearing an oath of allegiance to the king, local news reports indicate.

The king and his family watched the event from a pavilion constructed for the event.

Several Thailand citizens gathered to witness the rare event, which included troops from across the armed forces.

In Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg, South African police have apprehended 834 illegal miners, identified as "zama zamas," amid harsh conditions following deprivation of food and water supplies in a disused gold mine. This operation contributes to a broader initiative that has seen over 13,691 arrests of suspected illegal miners across the country since December 2023, alongside significant seizures including approximately 5 million rand (roughly $282,155) in cash and uncut diamonds valued at around 32 million rand (roughly $1.8 million). 

Food poisoning sparks xenophobic attacks

A concerning outbreak of food poisoning in South Africa, connected to grocery stores operated by migrants, has triggered violent reprisals against African migrant shopkeepers, especially those running Somali-owned spaza shops. The unrest has led to looting and the closure of numerous stores, with one reported death exacerbating fears of potential xenophobic violence. In a notable incident, six children in Soweto perished after consuming contaminated snacks. Health officials are now under pressure to ensure safety compliance in these establishments. Analysts point to the delicate social dynamics between local South Africans and migrants, highlighting how economic distress and manipulation of anti-foreigner sentiments can foster hostility. Community leaders are advocating for prompt investigations to protect migrant communities and enhance social harmony.

South Africa closes main border amid Mozambique protest

South Africa has enacted a temporary closure of the Lebombo border crossing with Mozambique due to escalating tensions and safety concerns amid protests over contested election results in Mozambique. Following violent clashes and reports of vehicle burnings, the closure is a precautionary measure until safety can be guaranteed. Protests led by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, claiming victory in the October 9 election, have resulted in casualties, including at least 10 deaths, and numerous injuries. Demonstrations against the ruling Frelimo party have involved tyre burnings and road blockages, with security forces reacting with tear gas and live ammunition, necessitating this closure for public safety.

South Africa reaches defence agreement with UK

South Africa and Britain have reached an agreement , as confirmed by their foreign ministers after a recent meeting. Britain remains South Africa's largest African trading partner, with trade figures approximating 133 billion rand ($7.62 billion) last year. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has indicated a plan to bolster the UK-South Africa growth initiative focusing on economic advancement and agricultural trade. Both parties recognised the necessity to revitalise their trade relationships, which have stagnated amid the pandemic, and discussed enhancing collaborative efforts in defence, particularly in counter-terrorism and environmental transitions.

Prince William addresses tragic murders

During his speech at the United for Wildlife's third Global Summit in South Africa, Prince William highlighted the indispensable role of wildlife rangers, paying tribute to the late Anton Mzimba, who was tragically murdered by poachers in 2022. He addressed the urgent need for better support and protection of rangers who face significant threats in their line of duty. As part of his initiative, he unveiled a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at providing 10,000 rangers with essential medical insurance and training opportunities. Additionally, a documentary is to be produced to shed light on the multitude of challenges these conservation heroes encounter.

While in Chad, the Duchess travelled to Adré, a town located just 400 metres from the Sudanese border, which is currently receiving approximately 400 new refugees from Sudan every day.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has forced nearly 11 million people to flee their homes in search of safety, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

During her visit, the Duchess met with humanitarian workers from organisations such as UNICEF and the UNHCR, who are on the frontlines providing aid and support to Sudanese refugees displaced by the ongoing violence. She also spoke with refugees, including women and children, who had recently escaped the conflict in Sudan.

Neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, have been significantly impacted by the refugee crisis. South Sudan alone has seen over 810,000 arrivals since the conflict began, placing immense pressure on its already limited resources.

Netiporn, a prominent member of a youth movement advocating for royal reforms, had been detained since January 26, facing seven separate charges, including two of insulting the monarchy, according to the BBC . She began her hunger strike the day after her detention, accepting only water until late February and resuming food intake in April.

The activist, who was the daughter of a judge, drew significant attention to the stringent enforcement of Thailand’s controversial lese majeste law, which imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison for critics of the monarchy.

Initially held on a contempt of court charge, her detention was extended after bail in a separate lese-majeste case was revoked.

Earlier this year, a 30-year-old Thai man was sentenced to a record 50 years in prison for insulting the royal family through numerous social media posts perceived as critical of the monarchy.

The lese majeste law has been part of Thailand's legal system since the first criminal code was established in 1908. However, prosecutions under this law had been paused for nearly three years until November 2020, when then-Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha ordered their resumption amid growing criticism of the monarchy, according to Human Rights Watch .

Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016 served as the monarch for seven decades. His son, Maha Vajiralongkorn has since succeeded him on the throne.

What they said

Speaking on the stigma surrounding mental health, Prince Harry said "Too many people don't want to talk about it 'cause it's invisible. Every single person in this room... has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people," he added, emphasising the importance of self-care and destigmatisation. Expressing gratitude for the students' enthusiasm, Megan added "We’re so honored to be with you. We have got to acknowledge those amazing dance moves! My husband was excited to jump up!. Will you promise us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health. If you are unsure, then ask. Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about whatever's coming up for you," Reuters quotes.

What they said

President Ruto said in a statement that "the deepest sadness that comes from the wrongs of the past due to the painful struggle for independence and sovereignty, as well as horrible and unjustified acts of brutality against Kenyans, there can be no excuse for that." King Charles also said at the Kenyan State House banquet: "In returning to Kenya, it is important to me to deepen my own understanding of these wrongs and to meet some of those whose lives and communities have been so badly affected."