Diplomats in Thailand have expressed condolences following the death of pro-democracy activist Netiporn Sanesangkhom, who died on Tuesday (14 May) after suffering a cardiac arrest while on a hunger strike to call for judicial system reform and the release of political dissidents. Meanwhile, several human rights organizations have called for an investigation into the circumstances of her death.

A pro-democracy activist detained on royal defamation charges has been pronounced dead in custody after suffering a cardiac arrest while she was on a hunger strike to call for judicial system reform and the release of political dissidents.

A 32-year-old man from Buriram has been accused of royal defamation over a Facebook post about the execution of King Ananda’s secretary and two royal aides convicted for the alleged murder of King Ananda Mahidol.

On Sunday evening (12 May), activists staged a protest near Khaosan Road, one of Bangkok’s famous nightlife districts and tourist landmarks, to demand the release of political prisoners.

Musician Chokdee “Alex” Rompruk and citizen reporter Waranya “Nui” Sae-ngo have been found guilty of royal defamation and given a suspended prison sentence of 4 years for singing two songs by the protest band Faiyen during a protest on 23 August 2022.

A pro-democracy activist has been sentenced to prison for royal defamation after posting on Facebook a message questioning King Vajiralongkorn.

The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT)’s regulations preventing senate candidates from publicly introducing themselves has led to lawsuits and concerns that it would limit public participation in the election.

Thai singer and TV personality Suthipongse ‘Heart’ Thatphithakkul has been indicted on charges of royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act. The charges were filed against him for Facebook posts he wrote in 2020 criticising the government’s Covid-19 vaccine policy.

A Thai stand-up comedian has been charged with royal defamation for allegedly defamatory references during his recent stand-up comedy performance to the sufficient economy concept, a development approach associated with the late King Bhumibol.

On World Press Freedom Day, Prachatai and UNESCO organised a panel discussion on Press Freedom in Thailand after the NCPO Junta and the Next Step towards Protection, to reflect on the deterioration in global press freedom and the problem of the justice system being used to silence the media, especially in Thailand.

Activists staged a protest in front of the US Consulate in Chiang Mai on Saturday (4 May) to demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, student organisations issued a statement in solidarity with US students protesting against the war in Gaza.