Three activists from Chiang Mai have been charged with contempt of court for protesting the Constitutional Court’s September 2022 ruling that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was allowed to stay as Prime Minister despite the 8-year term limit imposed by the 2017 Constitution.

Siwanchali Withayaseriwat, Kunapat Kachana, and Peungboon Jaiyen reported to Bhubingrajanivej Police Station on Monday (9 November) to hear their charges. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said that their summonses came more than 2 years after the protest, and that the complaint was filed by the Constitutional Court office at around the same time as the complaints against 6 other activists participating in the same protest.

The inquiry officer said that the activists’ action during the protest damaged the Constitutional Court’s reputation and credibility, and the people’s trust in the Court as an institution in the justice system.

The three activists denied all charges. They are required to report to the public prosecutor on 14 January 2025.

TLHR said that since July 2020, at least 37 people have been charged with contempt of court under Section 198 of the Criminal Code for political expression. Among these cases, one was filed by the Constitutional Court in February 2022, when student activist Parit Chiwarak was charged with contempt of court for two Facebook posts made in December 2020 criticising the Constitutional Court for ruling that Prayut was allowed to stay in army housing despite having retired. However, in June 2022, the public prosecutor decided not to indict Parit due to lack of evidence. Another case was filed against 6 Chiang Mai activists over the September 2022 protest.