Thai lawyer Arnon Nampa’s royal criticism adds to 34-year jail term
Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa has received another prison sentence for calling for public scrutiny of the monarchy, including at a 2020 Bangkok protest where he dressed as Harry Potter. The case highlights the broad use of Thailand’s lèse-majesté law against people who discuss or criticise the royal family and the monarchy.
A Bangkok court sentenced Nampa to two years and eight months under Article 112, which carries prison terms of three to 15 years for defaming, insulting or threatening senior royals. It is one of 14 cases brought against him under the law; his sentences now total more than 34 years, with two verdicts still pending. Since the 2020 protests, 294 people, including 20 minors, have been prosecuted under the law, and some remain on trial for years.
In short
- Arnon Nampa’s cumulative sentences now exceed 34 years.
- The latest sentence is one of 14 cases against him.
- Thailand has prosecuted 294 people under the law since 2020.
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The case for
Supporters of Article 112 argue that protecting the monarchy from threats and serious defamation can preserve a valued national institution and reduce risks to social stability. They may see criminal penalties as a legitimate safeguard, provided cases are fairly judged and punishment is proportionate.
The case against
Critics argue that broad criminal penalties for royal criticism can suppress peaceful debate, deter scrutiny of a powerful institution and impose consequences far beyond the speech involved. They also contend that repeated prosecutions and long sentences risk undermining fair process and freedom of expression.
Explained simply
Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, known as Article 112, makes it a crime to defame, insult or threaten senior members of the royal family. It carries prison sentences of three to 15 years for each offence.
Arnon Nampa is a human rights lawyer who has called for public discussion of the monarchy, including at protests in Bangkok in 2020. His case is one of many brought under Article 112 since those protests, including cases involving young people.
The law shapes what people can say publicly about Thailand’s monarchy and has led to long prison sentences and lengthy trials. Its use has drawn attention to the legal risks facing people who discuss or criticise the royal family.
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Originally published by BBC World as “He questioned Thailand’s monarchy dressed as Harry Potter. Now he’s in jail for 34 years”.