Chonthicha Jangrew, an activist-turned-People’s Party MP, has been sentenced to 2 years and 8 months in prison on a royal defamation charge filed against her for posting a message to King Vajiralongkorn during a November 2020 protest, in which protesters marched to the Grand Palace to send letters calling for monarchy reform.
The post raised several issues about the monarchy, including the use of taxpayer’s money, transfer of troops and budget to royal offices, the King’s stays overseas, and the prosecution of the monarch’s critics.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that the Criminal Court today (8 September) found her guilty on the grounds that her post insulted and disrespected the king, damaging his reputation and honour and undermining national security.
The Criminal Court sentenced her to 4 years in prison, reduced to 2 years and 8 months because she gave useful testimony.
Her lawyers have filed for bail pending appeal. The Criminal Court forwarded her request to the Appeal Court but if she is not granted bail today, Chonthicha will be send to prison and removed from office as MP.
At around 16.00, TLHR said that Chonthicha has been granted bail on a security of 300,000 baht. She is also prohibited from leaving the country without court permission or participate in activities that affect the monarchy, and must not repeat her offense.
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