The Attorney General’s Office has decided to drop a royal defamation charge filed against activist Benja Apan over a speech given during a protest in September 2021 on the grounds that she was criticizing the government and did not intend to defame the monarchy.

Benja was charged with royal defamation after a complaint was filed against her by Rapeepong Chaiyarut, a member of the ultra-royalist group People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy who claimed that Benja’s speech insulted the monarchy.

The 3 September 2021 protest took place at Ratchaprasong intersection. It was called by the activist groups United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration and Thalufah to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a new Constitution, and monarchy reform. Benja and 16 other protesters were previously charged with violation of Covid-19 regulations issued under the Emergency Decree and for blocking a public road. Benja was subsequently charged in August 2023 with royal defamation.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that Benja was informed on 22 August 2025 that the Office of the Attorney General has ruled not to indict her for royal defamation on the grounds that her speech criticised the government of then Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and demanded a new government to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and implement reforms. Although her speech could be taken to mean that the King allowed a military coup to happen and mentioned his support for the junta, it was directed at the Prayut government and was not intended to insult the King. The Attorney General therefore believes there is not enough evidence to indict her for royal defamation.

The Attorney General also ruled not to indict Benja for sedition because the protest was within the bounds of the Constitution. It was aimed at criticizing the government. The protesters did not move to other locations and there is no evidence that they caused unrest.

TLHR noted that this is the fourth time since 2020 that a royal defamation charge has been dropped by the public prosecutor, while in most cases the accused are indicted.

Another activist, Kiattichai Tangpornphan, was also charged with royal defamation for a speech he gave at the protest. However, his case has not been forwarded to the public prosecutor as the police have not been able to contact him.