Lese-majeste is a crime in many countries, including Thailand, where it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is defined as an act of insulting or showing disrespect to the monarch or other members of the royal family. The term lese-majeste comes from French and literally translates to 'injured majesty'. In Thailand, it is illegal to criticize or defame the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent.