Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, the ever-spirited political activist well-known for his bold stance against Section 112, was seen donning a distinctive T-shirt voicing his opposition as he reported to the Nonthaburi police station on December 8, 2020. But now, the Criminal Court has issued a fresh arrest warrant for this defiant figure, given his conspicuous absence at a ruling in a lese-majeste case.
Nicknamed Penguin, Parit faces a barrage of charges—nearly two dozen, to be precise—tied to alleged breaches of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, a law infamous for its stringent penalties involving offenses against the monarchy. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Parit remains out on bail, as confirmed by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
This latest judicial decision was precipitated by a complaint from Nopadol Prompasit, a vocal member of a group self-proclaimed as the protectors of the monarchy. The complaint zeroed in on Facebook messages posted by Parit over a span of five days in July 2021, messages deemed perilous enough to pose a threat to the sacred institution. Alongside these lese-majeste allegations, Parit also finds himself ensnared in charges under the Computer Crime Act for disseminating supposedly harmful information online—a double whammy that’s not all too uncommon in such politically charged cases.
The penalties that loom over those accused of lese-majeste are severe, ranging from three to a daunting 15 years in prison. To add to this already heavy burden, Parit’s charges under the Computer Crime Act only compound his legal woes. It’s a predicament he shares with some rather influential company, such as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who also faces similar computer crime charges on top of his own Section 112 indictment, filed just last week.
In light of Parit’s no-show, the court has elected to push back the ruling in his case to July 31, a move that will undoubtedly set the stage for further drama and public spectacle.
Zooming out to see the bigger picture, data from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reveals the startling extent of legal actions against political dissent. Up to May 31 of this year, a whopping 1,954 individuals have found themselves in the crosshairs of prosecution due to their engagement in the Free Youth protests and other expressions of political sentiment that have been sweeping through the country since July 2020. Lese-majeste charges under Section 112 have ensnared at least 272 individuals, while an additional 152 are grappling with charges of sedition under Section 116.
As the calendar inches closer to July 31, all eyes will be on Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, a man whose very nickname embodies the unyielding spirit of a movement. Will he continue to wade through these legal quagmires, or is this the beginning of the end for one of Thailand’s most outspoken activists? One thing is certain—the next chapter in this saga is bound to be anything but dull.
Interesting how the judicial system always seems to go after vocal critics of the monarchy.
Maybe because they’re actually breaking laws? You can’t just bash the monarchy without expecting repercussions.
That’s true, but laws can be unjust too. People have the right to dissent.
Exactly. We need to question if these laws serve justice or merely silence dissent.
I honestly think Penguin is brave. Standing up for one’s beliefs, especially in the face of harsh penalties, takes guts.
Bravery or foolishness? He’s just putting himself in more trouble. There are safer ways to express dissent.
True, but some battles need to be fought head-on. If we tiptoe around, nothing changes.
I guess the monarchy is beyond criticism in Thailand. How is that compatible with democratic values?
Democracy is a spectrum. Thai culture has its own nuances. Western ideals can’t be imposed on every society.
I understand cultural differences, but basic human rights should be universal.
Will Parit’s arrest lead to more protests? Seems like an endless cycle.
Likely. Every action has a reaction. Let’s hope it doesn’t escalate too much.
Look at the data! Nearly 2,000 prosecutions for expressing political views. That’s alarming!
Protests can harm public order. These measures keep the peace.
When the government stifles voices, it leads to more unrest. Listen to the people instead.
Exactly, suppression will only lead to more resistance.
Putting someone in jail for Facebook posts is absurd. Digital age, digital protests!
True, but misinformation spreads quickly online. There needs to be some control.
Penguin’s fight is symbolic. Whether he wins or loses, it sparks dialogue and that’s crucial.
Dialogue is great, but what’s the point if he lands in jail for decades?
Are the Computer Crime Act charges just another way to pile on more trouble for him?
Seems like it. If the monarchy charges not enough, they add internet crimes too.
It’s crazy how they use every possible means to break down dissenting voices.
Parit’s case is a testament to the power struggles within the country.
Higher the struggle, the more enduring the movement becomes.
Lese-majeste laws are outdated. They don’t belong in the modern world.
Old laws die hard, especially when they protect those in power.
This highlights why freedom of speech is so critical! We take it for granted in many countries.
True! Until it’s taken away, we often don’t realize how important it is.
I’m curious how international communities view this situation. Will they intervene?
International pressure could help, but it’s often limited in scope unless economic interests are involved.
I think there will always be some laws that remain controversial no matter what.
Yes, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t fight to change them.
This case will have long-lasting impacts. It’s more than just one person’s fight.
Absolutely, it’s a symbol for broader issues within the country.
What happens on July 31 could set a precedent for future dissenters. Important day indeed.
This feels like watching history unfold. Will he become a martyr or a pariah?
Only time will tell, but he’s already left a mark.