Thai politician Rukchanok Srinork received a 6-year prison sentence for criticising the Thai monarchy
The Member of Parliament was subject to lèse-majesté (insulting of a monarch) laws after a series of tweets criticising the royals
Thaiand’s Move Foward Party member gets bail
Rukchanok Srinork received a six-year prison sentence for alleged criticism of the monarchy. According to BBC, she posted tweets that invoked the country’s strict lèse-majesté laws.
Ice was released on $14 000 (R266 783) bail on the condition she would not repeat her sentiments. The sentencing highlights a recurring pattern of employing such laws to stifle dissent against the Thai monarchy. This move has brought on criticism and scrutiny from international activists concerned about freedom of speech in the country where a 26-year-old was sentenced for shouting at a moving royal motorcade.
Rukchanok’s case echoes broader concerns about freedom of expression in Thailand, prompting protests from human rights activists. The severity of the sentence underscores the contentious nature of discussions surrounding the monarchy.
How severe are lèse-majesté laws in Thailand?
Lèse-majesté laws are notably strict in Thailand, as pointed out by BBC. They criminalise insults or defamation against a monarch. In Thailand, Section 112 of the Criminal Code makes it illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir, or regent.
Penalties are stiff, ranging from three to fifteen years imprisonment per count. As a result, The law has been criticized for suppressing freedom of speech and being used to silence dissent. Over the years, it has been invoked to target various individuals, including activists, politicians, and ordinary citizens, with a surge in suppression during periods of political turmoil.
Thailand’s rising use of lèse-majesté laws
The evolution of Thailand’s lèse-majesté laws begins with the modern defamation law of the 1900s. this law attempted to protect the monarch’s reputation. The Siamese Criminal Code of 1908 further separated the king and the state.
In 1957, amendments criminalized insult, which broadened the law’s applicability according to the UN. The 1976 massacre prompted further revisions and toughening penalties. Since the 2006 coup, charges surged, targeting not only politicians but also ordinary citizens. The laws faced criticism for suppressing freedom of speech. Recent developments include the 2016 revival and subsequent use against activists, politicians, and citizens, reflecting ongoing challenges to free expression and political dissent in Thailand.