5 people detained on a royal defamation charges were released on Wednesday morning (27 August) after becoming eligible for early release under a Royal Pardon Decree issued on 29 July 2025.

Anchan Preelert, a 69-year-old former civil servant detained on a royal defamation charge, will be released tomorrow (27 August), said Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

The denial of bail for two people found guilty of royal defamation this June has brought the number of political prisoners in Thailand to 17. Of this number, 10 are detained following a final verdict from the Supreme Court or after a decision not to appeal. The remaining 7 are detained pending trial or appeal, 4 of whom on royal defamation charges.