Human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampa appeared at the Chiang Mai Provincial Court to testify in a royal defamation case arising from a speech he delivered on 23 November 2020 at Chiang Mai University. The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on 27 March 2025.

On 24 December, the Chiang Mai Provincial Court held a witness examination in another royal defamation case against human rights lawyer Anon Nampa. The case stemmed from his speech at Chiang Mai University on 23 November 2020.

The Court allowed only those directly involved in the trial to enter the room. At the request of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, live streaming was arranged in a separate room for observers following Anon’s recent trial.

In this latest case, Anon and activist Parit Chiwarak, who recently sought asylum, were again charged with royal defamation. In his speech, Anon addressed royal assets, King Vajiralongkorn's significant shareholding in Siam Commercial Bank and Siam Cement Group, and the transfer of state-owned land to his majesty as private property.

In his testimony, Anon explained that his speech reflected controversial issues related to the expansion of royal power that he and other members of the young generation found questionable. He also cited former prime minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s statement on 10 January 2017 which said that the King ordered an amendment of the Constitution, which had already been approved through a public referendum in 2016.   

Arnon argued that the order violated democratic principles and showed a significant expansion of the King’s power, contradicting the principle that “the King can do no wrong.” He also pointed out that the transfer of the two military units to the royal guard unit violated the Constitution. Finally, he objected to the revised Crown Property Act of 2017, which allows Crown assets to be treated a the King’s personal property.

Anon stressed that his speech was grounded in legal principles and facts, and was delivered out of sincere concern for the monarchy.

The Court scheduled a verdict for 27 March 2025, concluding the seventh royal defamation against Anon. Five more cases are pending.  He is presently facing a cumulative prison sentence of 18 years, 10 months, and 20 days.

Meanwhile, We, The People and the People’s Amnesty Network on 25 December organised an activity called “Stand Against Tyranny” at the Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai province, demanding the release of Anon and other political detainees. Some of the participants wore masks bearing a likeness of Anon’s face.  They also held banners demanding that he and other political detainees be released. A list of political prisoners currently detained was read aloud.