BANGKOK, Thailand: In a controversial ruling, a court in Thailand sentenced pro-democracy activist Panupong Jadnok to three years in prison for royal defamation.
The case has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the government is employing strict lese-majeste laws to suppress dissent and silence critics of the monarchy, including King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family.
Panupong, 27, was a prominent figure in the youth-led protests of 2020, where demonstrators demanded significant reforms to the monarchy—an unprecedented move in Thai politics. His conviction stemmed from social media posts related to the king made during the protests. Although initially facing a four-year sentence, it was later commuted to three years due to his cooperation during the trial, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.
However, Panupong still faces eight additional charges under Thailand’s lese-majeste law, which could result in further imprisonment. The law, known as “112” after its section in the criminal code, carries severe penalties, with individuals convicted under it facing up to 15 years in prison per charge.
Panupong’s case is emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent in Thailand, with over 150 activists facing charges under the lese-majeste legislation. The use of such laws has raised concerns about freedom of expression and political rights in the country, prompting calls for legal reform and greater respect for human rights.
