BANGKOK, Thailand — Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa has received a prison sentence of two years and four months on charges including royal defamation and sedition. This verdict adds to his growing total sentence, now standing at 29 years and one month, marking a significant moment in ongoing debates over freedom of expression and the monarchy in Thailand.
Anon faced multiple allegations stemming from his participation in a protest on November 17, 2020, which called for constitutional amendments. He was convicted after a court determined that remarks he made during the protest constituted royal defamation. The court argued that comments Anon made about selfies, in reference to a visit by King Vajiralongkorn and Princess Sirivannavari, implied that their public images were inauthentic, violating Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws, which criminalize defaming the royal family.
Although Anon maintained that his criticisms were meant to promote coexistence between the monarchy and democracy, the court stated he should have employed more appropriate means to express his dissent. His previous expressions of disagreement with the monarchy were considered a factor in the court’s decision.
In contrast, fellow activist Parit Chiwarak, who faced similar charges, was acquitted of royal defamation. His statements during the protest were deemed metaphorical, focusing on the architecture of the parliament building rather than the royal family itself. However, both activists were found guilty of sedition due to their announcement of another protest a day following the initial rally.
The court determined that neither Anon nor Parit were responsible for violating laws concerning public gatherings or causing disturbances during the protest, which occurred as public health measures were being eased following COVID-19 restrictions. The prosecution failed to establish that they organized the event or instigated any unrest. Additionally, the court acknowledged that police actions, including the use of tear gas, were the primary source of violence during the protest.
Despite these acquittals, Anon’s sentence reflected stringent views on dissent. The court sentenced him to three years for royal defamation, later reduced to two years, and six months for sedition, reduced to four, acknowledging the helpful testimonies provided during the hearing. His total prison time for these convictions now stands at 29 years and one month, having been detained at Bangkok Remand Prison since September 26, 2023.
The November protest coincided with a parliamentary session discussing several proposals for constitutional reform, including a draft supported by over 98,000 voters. However, none of the amendments were passed, leading to increased public frustration that inflamed tensions during the demonstration. Riot police clashed with activists, deploying tear gas and chemical irritants in a response that further escalated the situation.
This unfolding legal saga illustrates the increasingly precarious state of free speech in Thailand, where dissent against the monarchy can lead to severe legal repercussions. As the nation grapples with the tension between traditional authority and modern democratic ideals, cases like Anon’s serve as a focal point for ongoing discussions about human rights and personal liberties in the country.
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