Post by : Shakul

Bangkok, Thailand – A Thai court on 20 February 2026 sentenced four pro-democracy activists to 32 months in prison for criticizing the monarchy under Thailand’s strict royal insult (lèse-majesté) law.

The Bangkok Criminal Court found 35-year-old activist Pimsiri Petchnamrob guilty of insulting King Maha Vajiralongkorn for speech she gave at a November 2020 democracy rally, where she criticized the monarchy’s influence and cited a United Nations expert’s statement opposing the lese-majesté law. She was also convicted of violating COVID-19 rules and using loudspeakers without permission.

Three other activists — Arnon Nampa, Somyot Pruksakaseksuk, and Promsorn Viradhammajari — received the same sentence of two years and eight months in prison for similar charges. The original four-year prison terms were reduced by one-third because the court said their testimony was useful.

After sentencing, Pimsiri was granted bail of 150,000 Thai baht (about USD 4,800), on the condition she remain in Thailand and not break the law again while appealing.

Rights groups say the use of Thailand’s Penal Code Section 112, which punishes insulting the monarchy with 3 – 15 years per offense, severely restricts freedom of expression. Since the 2014 military coup, nearly 2,000 people have faced legal action for exercising their rights to free speech or peaceful assembly, including at least 285 lese-majesté cases.

In January 2024, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that efforts to amend the lese-majesté law were tantamount to attempting to abolish constitutional democracy, reinforcing legal backing for prosecutions.

International human rights authorities, including United Nations experts, have urged Thai authorities to drop charges against Pimsiri and others, arguing that laws like Section 112 should not impose harsher penalties simply because of the identity of the person criticised.

Despite Thailand’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects freedom of expression, critics say the law is still used to punish peaceful dissent. The government and ruling party have opposed reforms or pardons for those charged under the law.

#world news #Global News #Thailand News