Thai Activist Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence for Violating Royal Insult Law
A pro-democracy activist in Thailand has been sentenced to four years in prison by a Thai court for violating the country’s royal insult law. Arnon Nampa, a human rights lawyer who led a movement advocating for monarchy reform, was found guilty of breaking article 112 of Thailand’s penal code, also known as lese majeste. This law carries a punishment of up to 15 years in prison for defaming, insulting, or threatening the king, queen, heir apparent, or regent.
The court determined that Arnon had violated the law by delivering a speech calling for monarchy reform during a protest rally in the Thai capital on October 14, 2020. Although Arnon denies any wrongdoing and is seeking bail while an appeal is filed, he was also found guilty of breaching the emergency rules implemented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he was acquitted of seven other charges. As part of his sentence, Arnon was also fined 200,000 baht ($5,506).
Arnon’s case is just one among many, as dozens of pro-democracy activists have faced charges under Thailand’s lese majeste law in 2021. These charges came in the wake of protests calling for the resignation of then Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha and initiating public debate about the role of the monarchy. According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, between May 2020 and September 2023, at least 257 people were charged under lese majeste, including 20 individuals under the age of 18.
Interestingly, the Move Forward Party, which won the largest number of seats in the May general election, was the sole mainstream party advocating for changes to the royal insult law. However, the party’s prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, faced opposition from the influential Senate and pro-royalist parties that opposed any amendments to the law protecting the royals from criticism.
The conviction of Arnon Nampa and the ongoing use of the lese majeste law highlight the complex and controversial dynamics surrounding discussions about the monarchy in Thailand. While some argue that the law is necessary to safeguard the monarchy’s dignity and reverence, others see it as a tool to suppress dissent and stifle political opposition. The case has also attracted international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern about freedom of expression and the impact on democracy in Thailand.
As Arnon seeks bail and awaits an appeal, his case serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing tensions and questions surrounding the role of the monarchy in Thai society. The outcome of his legal battle, and the broader conversation about the lese majeste law, will undoubtedly shape the future of Thailand’s democracy and the rights of its citizens to freely express their opinions.
