Bangkok, Thailand — United Nations experts expressed deep concerns Friday regarding the judicial actions against prominent Thai human rights advocate Pimsiri Petchnamrob. They called on the Thai government to withdraw all charges against her and other activists who participated in pro-democracy demonstrations. The experts also urged Thai authorities to reconsider and repeal lèse-majesté laws, which are seen as suppressing freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In their statements, the experts reaffirmed their previous appeals to amend or eliminate these laws, which have fostered an environment of fear and self-censorship among the public. They emphasized that public officials, including high-ranking political figures, should be open to criticism, highlighting the state’s responsibility to safeguard civil society and uphold human rights without resorting to criminalization.
Pimsiri Petchnamrob, a notable figure in Thailand’s human rights landscape, faces serious charges, including accusations of insulting the monarchy, inciting insurrection, and participating in illegal gatherings. These allegations stem from remarks she made at a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Bangkok in November 2020, during which she referenced a critique of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law delivered by a UN special rapporteur in 2017. Past court decisions have prevented her from traveling abroad, and the ongoing legal battles have placed strict limitations on her freedom, including bail conditions and travel restrictions.
The lèse-majesté law, codified in Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, carries severe penalties for any criticism of the monarchy, with imprisonment ranging from three to fifteen years. The law is criticized for its vagueness, allowing for broad and discretionary application by authorities, a situation that has drawn ire from human rights advocates.
International human rights groups have responded strongly to the proceedings against Petchnamrob, with the World Organisation Against Torture characterizing her case as indicative of a troubling trend aimed at stifling peaceful dissent. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) similarly asserted that the charges arise from her legitimate advocacy efforts and denounced the legal action as an abuse intended to undermine fundamental freedoms.
Since November 2020, the application of the lèse-majesté law has resulted in at least 280 individuals facing charges. Many are either in detention awaiting trial or already serving sentences, exacerbating concerns about the judicial environment in the country. Some of these activists have been convicted multiple times under Article 112, leading to longer prison terms. Despite Thailand’s obligations as a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandates adherence to international norms regarding freedom of expression, the law’s existence raises significant doubts about its alignment with those commitments.
Human Rights advocates are calling for an urgent reassessment of these legal frameworks, arguing that they not only compromise personal freedoms but also harm the democratic fabric of the nation. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by activists striving for democratic reform and human rights in Thailand.
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