Lese-majeste, or insulting the monarchy, is a very serious offence in Thailand, where many people regard 81-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej as semi-divine and above politics.

Make that, "Lese-majeste, or insulting whomever constitutes the present regime, is a very serious offence in Thailand, where many of the military-bureaucratic-elite regard themselves as semi-divine and above politics."

Speaking to Reuters before the hearing, Darunee said she had lost 17 kilos (37 lb) after nearly a year in detention awaiting trial.

Murderers, especially police and the elite, walk free on bail, but people whose words have offended the military-bureaucratic-elite are guilty as charged, when charged, and locked down immediately. Then come their secret trials for their secret crimes, their guilt is rubber-stamped, and their jail doors slammed shut again. The Thai Gulag.

The law has been a regular feature of the charged political atmosphere in Thailand in the past three years. The generals who overthrew Thaksin cited his alleged disrespect for the monarchy among other reasons.

And it remains the "hidden in plain sight" extra-legal tool through which the military-bureaucratic-elite will use to continue to terrorize their opposition. And the opposition is terrified. They've all been thrown in jail or run out of the country.

The military-bureaucratic-elite compare the treatment afforded to Charoen Wat-aksorn, Somchai Neelaphaijit, Phra Supoj Suvacano and all the others whom they've summarily executed for opposing them, sneer, and count the victims of lese-majeste persecutions lucky.

Terrified, but not paralyzed. And certainly not forgetful. The task the military-bureaucratic-elite have set for themselves is King Canute's, although it's a living red sea of humans that they command not to rise. They will be no more successful than was King Canute, but seem less likely to take a lesson from it.

The people, united, can never be defeated.