Human rights lawyer Anon Nampa has been sentenced to two years in prison for royal defamation related to a speech he delivered during a 2020 protest. He is currently facing a total of 24 years for royal defamation.

The case stemmed from a speech he delivered at Bang Khen Police Station on 21 December 2020, which was held to show support for seven activists, including Anon, who had reported to the police regarding a protest on 29 November 2020.

In this case, three activists were charged with royal defamation: Anon Nampa, Parit Chiwarak, and Shinawat Chankrajang. The four others were charged under the Public Assembly Act.

In his speech, Anon called for royal reform, pointing out that the King was infringing the law by transferring the royal properties to himself and transferring army units to the direct command of the crown.

The human rights lawyer denied the royal defamation allegation, arguing that he was exercising freedom of expression. He intended to convey that the King did not adhere to the principle of "the King can do no wrong," and the expansion of royal powers did not align with democratic principles.

Anon also reiterated that his speech was constructive criticism, suggesting the monarchy adapt in this modern world where public reverence is the challenge facing the monarchy.

The Court on Wednesday (28 May) sentenced Anon to two years in prison. The court ordered that the courtroom proceedings not be disclosed to the public.

This is the eighth royal defamation verdict delivered against Anon, who has now been held in detention pending appeal since 26 September 2023. He now faces a cumulative prison sentence of 22 years, 25 months, and 20 days.