Cover Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR)

A 74-year-old woman has been charged with royal defamation for a speech she gave during a protest on 26 July 2023 at Thammasat University, following attempts to bar Move Forward Party candidate Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming prime minister.

Photo from TLHR

Chiraphon “Nit” Butpaket has been charged under the royal defamation law, known as Section 112, and Computer-related Crime Act over a speech she gave allegedly criticising the monarchy during the 26 July protest. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reports that the complaint was filed on 27 July 2023 by Anon Klinkaew, leader of the ultra-royalist group People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy.

A summons for Chiraphon was issued on 8 August 2023. On 22 August 2023, she went to the Khlong Luang Police Station to acknowledge the charges. According to the police report, during the protest, she gave a speech and raised a three-finger salute.

She is alleged to have criticised the monarchy by saying that she wanted the country to be a democracy and did not want the monarchy to be above the law. She was reportedly also critical of the country’s 13 successful coups and raised issues regarding the support and endorsement these received.

The plaintiff contends that Chiraphon intentionally insulted and defamed King Vajiralongkorn, while leading the audience to misunderstand that what she said was true. He also noted that her speech was disseminated through social media platforms.

The protest was organised by the Thammasat University Student Union at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus in response to attempts by the Senate and the Constitutional Court to block Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming Prime Minister despite his party winning the election.

Chiraphon rejected the charges and will provide a written statement within 30 days. The inquiry officers scheduled a hearing for 25 September 2023 and released her after taking her fingerprints.

A retiree, Chiraphon sells congee in front of a school in Nonthaburi Province. She has several health conditions, including issues with her heart and kidneys, which have left her easily fatigued and struggling with walking.

Photo from TLHR

She defines herself as a citizen who loves democracy and an outspoken advocate of justice since the 6 October 1976 massacre.

Upon learning of the charges against her, Chiraphon was shocked. She has always tried to provide support and encouragement to those being prosecuted for political reasons, never imagining she would find herself in such a situation.

“112 cases carry severe penalties of 3 to 15 years of imprisonment. I used to visit Somyot, Arnon, and many others who were charged under Article 112. The law is not fair. There is no way for people beat 112 charges. We don’t have the right to speak the truth or even express our thoughts, do we?” said Chiraphon.

Chiraphon says that the main topic she addressed in her speech was the military. She feels it is excessive to bring 112 charges against her, noting that this is why the royal defamation law needs to be amended, to keep the country from regressing to previous centuries when even looking at the king was forbidden.