A Thai court on Wednesday sentenced a political activist to 10 years in prison for insulting the country's revered king, a decision that drew criticism from human rights groups and the European Union.

The Criminal Court in Bangkok ruled that Somyot Pruksakasemsuk had breached Thailand's strict lese majeste laws when a newspaper he edited, Voice of Thaksin, published two satirical articles that were found to be critical of the monarchy.

Somyot plans to appeal the court's decision, according to his lawyer, Karom Polpornklang.