Thailand: List of people affected by lese majeste is growing

Thailand: List of people affected by lese majeste is growing

Arnon Nampa, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist in Thailand, has his hands full as his youngest daughter runs toward the sound of shackles. Only three years old, her memories of her father are colored by courtroom visits, not by his efforts to defend others, but by the numerous charges of lese majeste, an extremely strict law in Thailand. His wife, Pathomporn, says, "Every time we drive past the courthouse, she says, 'We're going to see Dad.'"

Arnon Nampa's fight against lese majeste

Arnon was sentenced to a total of 29 years in prison, and with four ongoing trials, he could spend more than 60 years behind bars just for speeches calling for reforms to the Thai royal family. "Our oldest child asks every day when we will be together again. The atmosphere is always sad and tense because we cannot give the children clear answers," explains Pathomporn, who asked that only her first name be used.

More than 280 indictments since 2020

Since 2020, a total of 281 people have been charged with lese majeste, according to the Thai human rights organization Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The defendants include not only activists and ordinary citizens, but also an American scientist and even children. These cases include former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose verdict in his own highly anticipated lese majeste trial will be announced next Friday.

What does lese majeste mean?

lese majeste is a crime that includes insulting the royal family and is enforced in some monarchies around the world. However, in Thailand this law is particularly strict. Those found guilty can face between three and 15 years in prison for each charge, with some sentences reaching up to 50 years in prison.

Even simple comments about the royal family are risky because complaints can be filed by anyone and the police are obliged to investigate the cases. Supporters of the law see it as necessary protection for the monarchy and the maintenance of social order. Critics, including human rights organizations, argue that the law is being used as a political tool to suppress debate and silence critics of the Thai government.

Rapidly increasing case numbers since 2020

The number of lese majeste cases has increased significantly since King Maha Vajiralongkorn's accession to the throne in 2016. Arnon Nampa gave a speech at a “Harry Potter”-themed protest on August 3, 2020, which was the first public discourse on monarchy reforms. This speech ignited a nationwide protest movement in which millions of people demanded urgent reforms.

Prison life and the challenges for activists

The conviction rate for lese majeste is about 80%, and prosecutors file charges in nearly 99% of cases. Activists report the grim conditions in prison and the psychological pressure they face. "Arnon has lost about 10 kilograms since his incarceration. His hands are cracked and rough, and he lives in a cell with almost 30 other inmates," says Pathomporn. Prison conditions in Thailand are harsh, and many detainees must spend months or even years in custody before being sentenced.

The dangers to freedom of expression and reform efforts

In April, American political scientist Paul Chambers was arrested at his home in northern Thailand and charged with lese majeste. He describes the allegations as “very thin” and believes the law is being used politically to silence critics. "I think there is a political dimension. The elite in Thailand are afraid of critical reporting and are responding with legal measures," says Chambers.

Call for reform of the law

In January, UN experts called on Thailand to scrap the lese majeste law, saying it has no place in a democratic country. There have been many attempts to reform the law, but reactionary forces have so far blocked all serious efforts. The progressive Move Forward Party, which emerged from the 2020 protests, has pushed for lese majeste reform but has been stymied by conservative lawmakers who fear a threat to the monarchy.

These developments remain a dangerous situation for Thai activists, and the fight for freedom of expression and reform continues to be hampered by reactionary forces.