Sentence increased for Thai lawyer

Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa had his prison sentence increased to two years and eight months on October 30 by the Criminal Court in Bangkok. This brings his total prison time to thirty-four years across multiple convictions.

Lèse-majesté charges applied

Arnon has been imprisoned since 2023 for multiple convictions under Article 112 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes acts deemed to be disrespectful to the monarchy. The Thai Association of Human Rights Lawyers calls this law a "political tool" used to suppress dissent.

Other defendants receive same sentence

Four other individuals—Wanwalee Thammasattaya, Phongsatorn Tancharoen, Promsorn Veerathamjaree, and Nawat Liangwattana—were sentenced to the same two years and eight months. They were found guilty of speeches made during a 2020 demonstration outside the Siam Commercial Bank.

Demonstration challenged royal ties

The 2020 demonstration broke a taboo by questioning the relationship between Thailand's oldest bank and the monarchy. Arnon called for greater transparency in these ties, which the court deemed illegal under lèse-majesté laws.

King Rama X's public role

The current king, Rama X, has taken a more active role in public life since ascending the throne in 2016, following the death of his father, King Bhumibol. This shift has made discussions about the monarchy more sensitive in recent years.