Human rights lawyer and activist Anon Nampa now faces over 26 years in prison after he was found guilty on one more count of royal defamation for a speech given at a pro-democracy protest on 2 December 2020.

Anon was charged along with Jiratita (last name withheld), who also gave a speech at the protest. Other activists were also charged for participation in the same protest, but failed to appear in court. Their cases were struck from the case list and arrest warrants issued.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said that the Criminal Court today (25 June) found both guilty of royal defamation. Anon was sentenced to 4 years in prison, reduced to 2 years and 8 months, while Jiratita was given a suspended sentence of 3 years in prison, reduced to 2 years, and is required to perform 36 hours of community service during the 2-year probation period.

Anon and Jiratita were also found guilty of violating the Emergency Decree and using a sound amplifier without permission. They were fined 10,200 baht each.

According to TLHR’s case database, Anon said in his speech that the monarch must remain politically neutral to be respected, while Jiratita spoke about injuries sustained during crackdowns on protests and demanded someone be held accountable. They were indicted on the grounds that their speeches could cause a misunderstanding that kings in the Chakri dynasty have used their power to interfere in politics and are behind the use of violence against citizens.

The verdict brought Anon’s total sentence on charges relating to his political activism to 24 years, 33 months, and 20 days, or around 26 years and 9 months. He has been detained pending appeal at the Bangkok Remand Prison since 26 September 2023.

Both defendants' friends and family members came to observe the trial, along with observers from human rights organizations, embassy representatives, and members of the public. They were asked to hand their mobile devices to a court official because using a mobile device is prohibited in a courtroom. This led to a small argument as some obervers believe taking their phones away was excessive when they can turn the devices off and keep it with them.

A court official later told the defence lawyer that the verdict would be delivered in a courtroom used for hearing pleas. Jiratita and the lawyer were asked to go down to this room, where only the defendants' lawyers and family members will be allowed to attend the trial. The defence lawyer refused since at that time, Anon had not yet been brought to court, and because the verdict must be delivered publicly. The official said that this is because there could be disruption and they have to follow security measures, and told Jiratita that refusing to move to this room might affect decisions on her bail request. She insisted that she will not move because the trial should be public.

Finally, the judge came to deliver the verdict at the original courtroom on the condition that only 6 observers who are the defendants' relations will be allowed to attend the trial. Some observers left the room, but others insisted on staying, including embassy representatives.

Amnesty International Thailand staged a gathering before the trial as part of its Write for Rights campaign. Participants stood in front of the Criminal Court wearing masks showing Anon’s face and holding posters to demand Anon’s release.

Amnesty International Thailand Director Bancha Leelaguagoon called on the Thai government to release activists detained for royal defamation and amend the law to be in line with Thailand’s obligations under international human rights conventions so that it will no longer be used to violate people’s rights. He also demanded that the amnesty bills for people facing political charges be brought to parliament immediately when the session opens on 3 July.