BANGKOK: Police in Thailand arrested an anti-government activist accused of burning a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand on Wednesday.

Activist Chaiamorn “Ammy” Kaewwiboonpan, 32 was arrested in Ayutthaya province north of Bangkok, Reuters reported.

He is accused of setting fire to a portrait in front of a Bangkok prison where four other activists are being held.

Chaiamorn has been charged under a strict lese majeste law that carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison if found guilty, according to Reuters.

As many as 61 people has subsequently been charged with lese majeste, according to a data compiled by legal aid group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

(With inputs from Reuters)