A student from Chiang Mai University has been charged with sedition and other crimes under the Computer Crimes Act and the Public Assembly Act over a 24 June 2023 caravan. Several others have also been charged, including a local news outlet.

Watcharapat Thammachak

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said on 11 October that Watcharapat Thammachak, a student at Chiang Mai University, received a police summons on charges of sedition and violation of the Computer Crimes Act and the Public Assembly Act for a march on 24 June 2023

TLHR said a total of four people are being summoned.  It is unclear why they have been charged with sedition.

The protest caravan on 24 June 2023

On 24 June 2023, Neo Lanna, a local activist group in Chiang Mai, staged a protest caravan from the Kruba Sri Wichai to the Three Kings Monument to campaign for a new Constitution, de-centralization, and state welfare. As the caravan moved across Chiang Mai, activists gave speeches about the 24 June 1932 Siamese Revolution and about de-centralization to allow each province to manage its own affairs without having to defer to the central government in Bangkok. At the Three Kings Monument, activists placed lotus flowers and lit candles in memory of the 1932 Revolution.

After the event, Maj Gen Santi Sukpom, Commander of the 33rd Military Circle, reportedly authorised a military officer to file complaints against Watcharapak and three other activists: Chatchai Thammo, Thiraporn Puttasee, and Benchapat (last name withheld).  The charges included sedition, organising a public gathering without notifying the authorities, and bringing into a computer system data likely affect national security. Complaints were also filed against local news outlet Lanner and the owner of the Facebook page NEO LANNA, both of which live-streamed the event.