Activist Shinawat Chankrajang has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison over a royal defamation charge related to a speech he gave about the King’s property during a protest. The case is his 8^th royal defamation charge and he is currently facing a total of 15 years and 24 months in prison.

The political activist faced charges of royal defamation and unauthorized use of a sound amplifier at an activity on 4 February 2022. During the activity, a sign saying “Abolish 112”, and pictures of political detainees were displayed at the scene, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

Shinawat also gave a speech about the transfer of the royal assets held by the Crown Property Bureau to the King’s personal property.

The allegation claimed that the speech was defamatory towards the King, suggesting that the King engaged in corruption and misappropriation of national assets for personal gain. It was also found that the activist did not ask for permission to use a sound amplifier.

Shinnawat was found guilty as charged. He was initially sentenced to 3 years for royal defamation and fined 200 baht for unauthorized use of a sound amplifier. However, the sentence was reduced to 1 year and 6 months in prison due to his guilty plea.

This is the last royal defamation charge he faces. In the previous 7 cases he received a suspended sentence in only one case. His total jail term is 15 years and 24 months (equivalent to almost 17 years).

Shinawat has been detained in the Bangkok Remand Prison since 29 February 2024 after he was denied bail in a case where he gave a speech during a protest in front of the Siam Commercial Bank headquarters.