Participants in a protest organized by Amnesty Thailand took to Ratchadamnoen Avenue on February 5, calling on the government to halt the prosecution of human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
It’s been a tumultuous journey for activist and human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa, who received another four years added to his prison sentence this Thursday for lese-majeste and violations of the Computer Crime Act. According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), this recent ruling follows three earlier convictions, culminating in a total of 14 years behind bars, with still 10 more cases pending. Unfortunately for Arnon, the sentences for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code run consecutively, compounding his punishment.
Arnon, now 39, has been confined to Bangkok Remand Prison since his initial sentencing on September 26 last year. Despite numerous bail applications, he has remained behind bars. This Thursday’s ruling saw the Criminal Court sentencing him to six years for two social media posts made between January and April 2021. The sentence was reduced to four years because, believe it or not, the court acknowledged his “useful cooperation,” as confirmed by his lawyers.
Earlier in April, Arnon faced another sentence—two years and 20 days, alongside a 100 baht fine, for insulting the monarchy, violating an emergency decree, and other charges stemming from a Harry Potter-themed rally outside the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre in August 2021. And if that wasn’t enough, Arnon has already been serving an eight-year term for two previous lese-majeste charges: one from a speech delivered at a 2020 rally and another from a social media post in 2021.
Arnon Nampa has become a pivotal figure in the youth-led democracy movement, initiating a wave of protests in Bangkok starting mid-2020. Unafraid to push boundaries, the movement controversially called for reforms of the monarchy—a bold stance that surely contributed to Arnon’s mounting legal woes. According to TLHR data up until June 30 this year, 1,954 individuals have faced prosecution for political activism and expression since July 2020. Among them, at least 272 people are dealing with charges under Section 112, while 152 have been accused of sedition under Section 116.
The scrutiny isn’t solely on Arnon. Just last month, another high-profile activist, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, found himself in hot water. An arrest warrant was issued after he failed to appear for a ruling in a lese-majeste case. Parit, who faces 25 charges pertaining to Section 112 violations, was out on bail but has reportedly fled the country, according to local media.
Efforts to amend the lese-majeste law, undoubtedly one of the world’s most stringent, remain a focal point in a Constitutional Court case that threatens the very existence of the opposition Move Forward Party. A ruling has been scheduled for August 7. The amendments proposed by Move Forward called for a regulation that any lese-majeste complaint must be filed by the Bureau of the Royal Household. Presently, anyone can initiate a royal defamation complaint, obliging police to investigate, which the party argues has been exploited by politicians and authority figures to suppress dissent.
Besides procedural changes, the party also advocated for reduced sentences for lese-majeste convictions. Under the current law, a conviction carries a potential sentence ranging from three to 15 years. The harsh penalties often serve as a reason for courts to deny bail to individuals awaiting trial or appealing their convictions.
In an ongoing saga that captivates the public’s attention, figures like Arnon Nampa and Parit Chiwarak embody a struggle between established authority and a rising tide of youth-driven demands for change. As the legal battles continue, the tension between reformists and conservatives shows no signs of abating.
This is a blatant human rights violation! Arnon Nampa deserves better.
While I agree that 14 years is excessive, we must understand the cultural context. The monarchy is deeply respected here.
Respecting the monarchy shouldn’t mean gagging freedom of speech. There’s a balance to be struck, and this isn’t it!
But does free speech mean you can say anything you want about the monarchy? There have to be limits.
Reforming Section 112 is crucial for Thailand’s future. It’s being exploited to silence political opponents.
Move Forward Party’s proposals make sense. It’s time Thailand modernizes.
Changing this law will take more than just legal amendments. It requires a shift in societal attitudes too.
The international community needs to put more pressure on the Thai government. Arnon Nampa’s case is just the tip of the iceberg.
This is an internal matter. Other countries shouldn’t meddle in our affairs.
Human rights are universal, Noknong. International pressure can lead to positive change.
Why does everyone forget the actual crimes Arnon committed? Violating laws has consequences.
The punishments are disproportionate to the offenses. That’s the issue here.
Maybe, but if we don’t enforce these laws, what’s to stop further disrespect and chaos?
The whole judicial system seems skewed. Why deny bail repeatedly?
They claim it’s to prevent further offenses, but it really feels punitive to me.
It keeps activists scared and compliant. Bail should be the norm unless there’s a clear flight risk.
Exactly, Jasmine. The message they send with these denials is chilling.
These young activists are brave. The future of our country depends on their voices being heard.
Arnon Nampa and others like him are heroes. They fight for everyone’s freedom, even those who disagree with them.
Public protests are fine, but why attack the monarchy? That’s too far.
The monarchy is part of our political system and should be open to criticism like any other part.
Western perspectives don’t always fit other cultures and their legal systems.
So when someone stands up against oppression, it’s considered disrespectful rather than courageous? Ridiculous!
Defiance can be courageous, but we need to consider the broader societal context.
Broader context or not, justice should be fair. The law should not be a tool for suppression.
Thailand’s political scene is slowly evolving. This is just one of many steps towards democracy.
Isn’t it ironic that someone fighting for more freedom ends up losing their own? Arnon deserves our support.
This whole situation reflects poorly on Thailand internationally.
Thailand’s monarchy has provided stability for centuries. Legal challenges to it need to be handled delicately.
Youth movements worldwide have always faced resistance. But history shows progress is inevitable.
If Arnon’s charges were truly about defamation and not politicking, why are so many activists facing similar fates?
Arnon took a calculated risk challenging powerful institutions. Sad, but he knew what could happen.
Just because he knew the risk doesn’t mean the system isn’t flawed. No one deserves such harsh sentences for criticizing power.