Two pro-democracy activists have been sentenced to prison by the Appeal Court for spray-painting the Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing in an attempt to draw public attention to the right to bail for a youth activist. Both were later granted provisional bail.

The two activists Noppasin Treelayapewat and Sittichai (last name withheld) were arrested on 6 April 2023 for allegedly spray-painting the Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing. They both faced two charges under the Cleanliness Act and the Ancient Monuments Act, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

They allegedly spray-painted an anarchist symbol, the number 112 with a strike through it, and a message regarding a pro-democracy activist who was arrested for royal defamation.

In 2024, the Court of First Instance sentenced them to one year in prison, and they were later granted bail.

The defendants later appealed the case, arguing that they did not intend to damage the historical sites. They merely sought to draw public attention to the fundamental right to bail for Thanalop 'Yok' Phalanchai, a pro-democracy youth activist who had been arrested and denied bail at the time.

On Tuesday (21 April), the Appeal Court ruled to uphold the initial verdict. The Court noted that the Democracy Monument is a symbol of Thailand’s system of governance and reflects national pride and the country’s development, while the Giant Swing is part of a Hindu swing ceremony and is also considered a historical site.

The Court concluded that their actions were deemed brazen, showing no regard for the law, and constituting an insult to public property, which could affect public sentiment.

Noppasin and Sittichai were later granted bail on the same day with 50,000 baht as security for each.

Both have faced a total of six charges in connection with spray-painting across multiple sites in Bangkok during March-April 2023. Five of the cases have already been concluded, and this was the last.

Noppasin Treelayapewat (on the left side) and Sittichai (on the right side)