freedom of speech
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“Internet freedom remained severely restricted in Thailand as prodemocracy activists and journalists faced arrest, surveillance, extralegal harassment, and violent attacks in retaliation for their online content. Internet users continued to be charged with lèse-majesté, with some receiving heavy prison sentences for defaming the monarchy online.”
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Criticize Thai Government
Criticizing the government in Thailand can be risky, especially if it involves the monarchy. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws (Article 112 of the Criminal Code), which criminalize any perceived insult, defamation, or threat toward the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. Violators can face up to 15 years in prison per offense.
Beyond lèse-majesté, other laws, such as the Computer Crimes Act and sedition laws under Section 116 of the Criminal Code, have been used to prosecute individuals for criticizing the government, military, or judiciary. People, including activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens, have been arrested, fined, or jailed for expressing dissent, particularly online.
While some forms of criticism are tolerated, open and direct opposition, especially regarding the monarchy, can lead to severe legal consequences.
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Thai Opposition Leader Defends Support for Lese-Majeste Law Change
“Since the 2020-21 protests, the Thai establishment has sought to reinstate the political taboo against any critical discussion of the monarchy. It has wielded Article 112 prosecutions to silence scores of leaders and participants in the 2020-21 protests; at least 274 people faced lese-majeste charges as of September, according to the advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. It has also pursued anyone advocating the removal or amendment of the lese-majeste law.”
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Justice: What’s The Right Thing To Do? Episode 09: “ARGUING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION”
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“We are alarmed at the heavy 50-year prison sentence handed down to Mr. Thirakot, which appears to be in retaliation for his political activism online and offline, and the expression of his opinion about the Thai Monarchy. We are concerned at what appears to be a systematic pattern of harassment and targeting against Mr. Thirakot as a result of him exercising his right to peaceful assembly online and offline and exercising his right to freedom of expression. We are also concerned that a third case against Mr. Thirakot is pending and may carry heavy penalties.”