Can the return of exiled politicians ignite hope for Thai democracy and reshape its political landscape? Thanapat Pekanan argues that Jakrapob Penkair, who recently returned to Thailand after 15 years in exile, could pave the way for the return of political refugees if he could reconcile with the establishment and ensure that the plight of those prosecuted by the royal defamation law is addressed.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organizations Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) and Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) call on Thailand’s Constitutional Court to dismiss the petition to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) to ensure compliance with the country’s obligations under international human rights law.

During Srettha Thavisin’s 7-month tenure, political prosecutions, particularly for royal defamation, have remained an ongoing concern with no sign of improvement. Citizens and activists continue to be jailed for political expression and many have been denied their right to bail, says Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

The Constitutional Court ruled yesterday (3 April) to accept a petition filed by the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) seeking the dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the disqualification of its executive board members.

The May 18 Memorial Foundation, a South Korea-based foundation established to remember the spirit of democratic struggle and solidarity during the 18 May 1980 uprising in South Korea, issued a statement today (3 April) demanding the release of activists Anon Nampa and Sirapob Phumpheungphut, both of whom are detained pending appeal on a royal defamation charge.

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to prison over a short video clip on TikTok, joking with a stray cat. The message in the clip was allegedly intended to insult two kings. He was earlier given a suspended sentence.

Pro-democracy ctivist Nawat Liangwattana has been hit with a 6th royal defamation charge for delivering a speech at an August 2023 protest to commemorate those who died in the 2010 crackdown.

Student activist Sirapob Phumpheungphut has been found guilty of royal defamation and sentenced to prison over a speech given at a protest on 18 November 2020 about the monarchy’s role in Thai politics.

UN experts said today (25 March) that they are alarmed by the royal defamation sentences against human rights lawyer Anon Nampa. They called on the Thai authorities to overturn Anon's conviction and drop the remaining charges against him and others facing prosecution. The Thai authorities must also bring the Criminal Code in line with international human rights standards and release those sentenced for exercising their rights to freedom of expression.

Activist Parit Chiwarak has been accused of royal defamation for posting a critique of a Constitutional Court ruling that former Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha had not violated the constitution by continuing to live in army housing after his retirement.

A 25-year-old protester has been indicted for royal defamation after burning the King’s portrait in a 2021 protest. The indictment said burning the portrait is tantamount to burning the King himself. The protester was later granted bail.

A 26-year-old netizen has been sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of royal defamation and violation of the Computer-Related Crimes Act for 18 tweets made between December 2022 and October 2023.