NAKHON PATHOM - A group of 12-year-old Prathom 6 students have been arrested for lèse-majesté after giving a cringe-inducing rendition of His Majesty the King’s popular jazz tune “Friday Night Rag” during a music recital last month.

The St Joseph’s students Keng (piano), Oat (saxophone), Jo (drums) and Non (triangle) were taken out of school yesterday in handcuffs after police determined their playing had insulted His Majesty the King.

Xylophone player Tee has reportedly fled the country.

Nakhon Pathom police lieutenant Sgt-Major Veera Teerasut said police had concluded charges were justified after officers listened several times to a recording of the performance that had been anonymously sent to the police station.

“The band lacks tightness,” explained Sgt-Major Veera. “Keng does okay on piano but plays without passion, while Oat’s solos are too meandering. Just imagine how His Majesty would feel if he heard this poor effort.”

Parents of the young boys were distraught at the surprising development.

Jariya Deephitdong, mother of triangle player Non, said each student should be evaluated independently. “Non was up every night working on that. He only played one note at the very end. Even if it was a couple beats late, I am sure His Majesty would forgive the boy.”

The students are currently being held in detention and have submitted a request for royal pardon. In return for a plee of guilty, they hope to reduce their punishment from several years of incarceration to no dessert after dinner.