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Thai activist lawyer Anon Nampa faces over 29 years in prison over ‘Royal Insult’

July 17, 2025

Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa has been sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison on charges of royal defamation and sedition related to a November 17, 2020 protest, bringing his total prison sentence to approximately 29 years. The Thai court found him guilty of royal defamation for allegedly referring to King Vajiralongkorn and Princess Sirivannavari in his speech, despite not mentioning them by name. While Anon and fellow activist Parit Chiwarak were acquitted of several charges related to organizing the protest, they were both convicted of sedition for calling for another protest.

Who is affected

  • Human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampa
  • Activist Parit Chiwarak
  • The Thai monarchy (King Vajiralongkorn and Princess Sirivannavari)
  • Pro-democracy protesters in Thailand
  • Thai citizens concerned with freedom of speech and right to protest
  • Organizations monitoring human rights in Thailand, such as Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR)

What action is being taken

  • Anon Nampa is currently serving a prison sentence at Bangkok Remand Prison while his appeal is pending
  • Thai courts are prosecuting activists under royal defamation laws (Lèse-majesté) and sedition charges
  • Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) is reporting on the legal proceedings and verdicts
  • Prachatai and Global Voices are publishing news about these cases

Why it matters

  • The case demonstrates Thailand's strict enforcement of controversial Lèse-majesté laws that prohibit criticism of the monarchy
  • The lengthy prison sentences for protest-related activities raise significant concerns about freedom of speech and assembly in Thailand
  • The court's interpretation that indirect references to royalty constitute defamation shows the broad application of these laws
  • The case highlights ongoing tensions between pro-democracy activists and Thailand's traditional power structures
  • Despite recognizing constitutional rights to protest, the court still found the activists guilty of sedition

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices