The Supreme Court has ruled to uphold a guilty verdict against law student Aukit Santiprasitkul and sentenced him to 7 years and 6 months in prison on a royal defamation charge, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) said today (24 November).

Aukit was arrested on 8 June 2021 and charged with royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act over five Facebook posts made between August 2020 – May 2021. According to TLHR, he was accused of sharing Facebook posts claiming that King Vajiralongkorn has certain diseases which the inquiry officer said was insulting towards the King.

He was also later accused of sharing 3 other Facebook posts defaming the King, including one which contains a picture of the King and a message saying that “this is this year’s corrupt person,” another which contains a picture of King Bhumibol, Queen Sirikit, and the then-Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn along with a message about family relationships; and another which claimed Queen Suthida had Covid-19.

On 21 December 2023, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 3 years in prison for each count. His sentence was redued to 1 year and 6 months because he pleaded guilty.

On 13 February 2024, the Appeal Court ruled to uphold the sentence. He was subsequently denied bail and has remained in prison ever since.

Aukit is facing an additional 2 years in prison for another count of royal defamation charge filed against him for sharing a Facebook post, originally made by the Facebook page John New World, which contained information about a protest in front of a hotel in Germany against King Vajiralongkorn.

A student at Ramkhamhaeng University’s Faculty of law, Aukit has attempted to request permission to take the remaining examinations that would allow him to complete his degree. The Court refused his request, citing insufficient ground. The university also denied his request to take his exmas in prison, claiming that it would be unfair to other students.