Human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampa is now facing over 10 years in prison after the South Bangkok Criminal Court today (29 April) sentenced him to 2 years and 20 days in prison on another royal defamation charge.

Anon Nampa speaking at the 3 August 2021 protest.

Anon was charged with royal defamation, violation of the Emergency Decree and the Communicable Diseases Act, and using a sound amplifier without permission for speaking at a protest in front of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre (BACC) on 3 August 2021. 

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said today (29 April) that the South Bangkok Criminal Court found him guilty of all charges and sentenced him to 3 years and 1 month in prison, along with a fine of 150 baht. Because he gave useful testimony, the court reduced his sentence to 2 years and 20 days and a fine of 100 baht. The prison sentence is to be served consecutively with two previous prison sentences Anon received. Equipment used during the protest, including an electric generator and sound equipment, were also seized by the court.

The 100-baht fine was covered by Anon’s supporters observing the trial, who put together 100 baht in small coins. 

TLHR noted that the Court found him guilty of royal defamation because he directly criticized King Vajiralongkorn in his speech, causing a misunderstanding that the King was greedy and trying to take public property for himself. The Court found the speech defamatory, and said that there is no reason to insult the monarchy, which is held in a place of respect. However, it did not take into consideration whether the content of Anon’s speech was factual.

This is the third time Anon, who faces a total of 14 counts of royal defamation, has been found guilty of this offence for his role in the 2020-2021 pro-democracy protests. He is now facing a total of 10 years and 20 days in prison for the three convictions.

Anon has been detained pending appeal at the Bangkok Remand Prison since 26 September. He has been repeatedly denied bail.