Thailand fines lawmaker and musician for insulting monarchy

Chonthicha Jangrew, 31, a MP for the Forward Party, was sentenced to two years in prison for defaming the Thai monarchy in a speech at an anti -government protest in 2021.

Another court sentenced musician Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, 35, to four years in prison for burning a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. He was convicted of arson, lese majeste and online crimes. Chaiamorn is seeking bail and plans to appeal the decision.

After his arrest in 2021, musician Chaiamorn admitted to burning a portrait of the king as a gesture of defiance and also to express frustration over the detention of activists on charges of insulting the monarchy.

Forward Party lawmaker Chonthicha Jangrew speaks to reporters upon arriving at Thanyaburi Provincial Court, Thailand, May 27. Photo: AP

The judge initially sentenced Chonthicha to three years in prison, but reduced it to two years because of his cooperation with the trial. Chonthicha was later released on bail of 150,000 baht ($4,100). If he fails to make bail and is sent straight to prison, the lawmaker will be immediately removed from his seat in the Thai parliament .

Thailand's law protecting the powerful monarchy carries penalties ranging from three to 15 years in prison for each charge. Criticism of the Thai monarchy is considered taboo. Insulting or defaming key members of the royal family can result in up to 15 years in prison.

In 2021, a 65-year-old woman was sentenced to 43 years for spreading social media posts critical of the monarchy. In January, a Thai man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for lese majeste – the longest sentence ever handed down under the kingdom’s strict royal insult laws.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thai-lan-tuyen-phat-nghi-si-va-nhac-si-vi-xuc-pham-hoang-gia-post297039.html