Chotisak Onsoong, 27, on Sept. 19 last year failed to get to his feet when the anthem was played before the film started, as is customary in Thailand, where King Bhumibol Adulyadej is widely revered.

“I don’t think I have violated any law as there is no law which requires such action, thus it’s the right of any individual to choose what to do,” Chotisak told AFP.

“No matter what the interpretation of the law is, I don’t think I did anything wrong,” he added.

He said police only pressed charges against him more than six months after the incident and without questioning him or producing any witnesses.

“I will seek clemency from the attorney general, who is supposed to bring the charge to court,” he said.

Bangkok police refused to discuss the case but confirmed that they have charged Chotisak with lese majeste for not standing up during the royal anthem, which is punishable by up to 15 years in jail.

“The National Police Office has recommended the charge against him but I’d rather not discuss it in detail as it’s a very sensitive issue,” said Lieutenant Sophet Chanphol-ngam of the district police station in Pathumwan, where the cinema is located.

Anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening the king or queen faces between three and 15 years in prison.

A Swiss man was jailed for 10 years last year for defacing the king’s portrait during a drunken spree.

King Bhumibol granted him a royal pardon and he was deported in April 2007, after having spent just over four months in jail, most of it awaiting trial.

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