Thai rights lawyer who questioned monarchy dressed as Harry Potter gets another 2 years and 8 months

A court in Bangkok on Friday sentenced Arnon Nampa, a 42-year-old Thai human rights lawyer, to two years and eight months in prison for violating the country's lèse majesté law, article 112 of the criminal code. The charge stems from a 2020 demonstration in the capital where he appeared dressed as Harry Potter and called for the powerful monarchy to be scrutinised and held accountable. It is one of 14 cases brought against him under the same article, and his cumulative sentence now exceeds 34 years. Verdicts in two further cases are pending.

The law and how it is applied

Article 112 provides for three to 15 years in prison for defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir-apparent or regent. In practice it has been applied far more widely, with prosecutions over negative remarks about long-dead kings and even the king's dog. Since the student protests of 2020, which for the first time called for public discussion of the monarchy's role, 294 people, 20 of them under 18, have been prosecuted, with sentences of up to 50 years. Most are denied bail and held in jail while their cases proceed. Officials defend the law as reflecting Thai culture and history.

Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which helps defend those accused, says the terms "defame" and "insult" are too vague to define, and that judges refuse requests to summon witnesses or documents for the defence.

Arnon in prison

Arnon has spent the past three years in Bangkok Remand Prison. He takes part in his own defence and helps other inmates with theirs, though he may not bring written notes into court. Hearings are almost the only chance he has to see his three-year-old son, and he also keeps in touch with his children through letters. After the verdict he told reporters it was not a surprise to him.

Others have chosen exile: 24-year-old activist Supitcha "Melinn" Chailom, who faces four article 112 charges, has been granted asylum in Canada.