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Brickbat: The King and I
Thai activist Arnon Nampa has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for criticising the monarchy at a 2020 pro-democracy protest. His total prison sentence now exceeds 34 years, intensifying concerns that Thailand’s law on royal criticism is being used to suppress political dissent and free expression.
Nampa and four other protesters were convicted under Article 112, which criminalises insulting or criticising the king and royal family. They argued their speeches were protected by the right to peaceful assembly, but the court rejected that defence. Since the 2020 protests, 294 people, including 20 minors, have faced prosecution under the law.
In short
- Arnon Nampa’s total sentence now exceeds 34 years.
- Five protesters were convicted under Thailand’s Article 112.
- 294 people have faced prosecution under the law since 2020.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Article 112 argue that the monarchy is a central national institution whose dignity and stability deserve legal protection, and that criminal penalties can deter speech they regard as damaging or deliberately insulting. They may also contend that courts should decide where protected political debate ends and unlawful attacks begin, as the court did in rejecting the protesters’ defence.
The case against
Critics argue that criminalising criticism of the king and royal family restricts political debate and peaceful assembly, and that lengthy prison terms can deter people from expressing views on public institutions. The number of prosecutions, including cases involving minors, strengthens concern that the law can be used to suppress dissent rather than address a narrow threat to public order.