A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison by the Appeal Court for an earlier royal defamation conviction after he burned the King’s portrait in 2021.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights reports that Tor (pseudonym) was charged with arson, property damage, and royal defamation for setting fire to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn installed in a small park in Nonthaburi’s Bang Kruai district on 10 November 2021.

He was arrested on 22 November 2021. At the time of his arrest, police informed him of only two charges—arson and property damage. The royal defamation charge was added the following day. No lawyer was present during the proceedings at the police station. The Nonthaburi Provincial Court later allowed bail with 300,000 baht security.

Tor admitted to burning the portrait but he said he was intoxicated at the time and acted without political intent. He pleaded guilty to the charge related to arson and property damage but denied the royal defamation charge. Due to the nature of the case, the Court ordered that the trial be conducted in camera.

On 30 November 2023, the Nonthaburi Provincial Court sentenced Tor to three years in prison without suspension.  Today (10 June), the Appeal Court reduced the term to two years in prison on the grounds that Tor admitted to burning the portrait and paid for the damage.

At the time of the incident, Tor worked as a food delivery rider. After being prosecuted, he was dismissed from his job and had his motorcycle seized by the police. Currently, he works with his brother, who is a construction contractor.

Incidents involving the burning of the King’s portrait occurred in several areas across the country. Most of the suspects were charged with royal defamation. Legal experts have noted that in many of these cases the royal defamation law has been broadly interpreted.