One year on since the enforcement of Thailand’s controversial lèse majesté law resumed after a two-year hiatus, at least 156 political activists in Thailand have faced the charges in 162 cases pending with the police, the prosecutors or the courts, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).
The number is considered a record high, said the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw).
Most of the alleged offenders have been freed on bail, but a handful are being held on remand pending trial. Among them are the leading lights of the Ratsadon anti-establishment group, namely Anon Nampa, Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, Panupong “Mike” Jadnok, Benja Apan, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, alias Pai Daodin and Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul.
Those with the most lèse majesté cases pending are:
- Parit Chiwarak, 22 cases:
- Anon Nampa, 14 cases
- Panupong Jadnok, 9 cases
- Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul, 9 cases
- Benja Apan, 6 cases
- Nawat Liangwattana, 4 cases
- Promsorn Veerathamchari, 4 cases
- Chinnawat “Brite” Chankrachang, 4 cases
- Chukiat “Justin” Saengwong, 4 cases
- Wanwalee Thamsattaya, 4 cases
- Pasaravalee Thanakitvibulphol, 3 cases
