Move Forward MP Chonthicha Jangrew was sentenced to two years in prison this morning, after she was found guilty, by the Thanyaburi Court, of lèse majesté related to a protest held in front of the court three years ago, to demand the release of political prisoners.
The court acquitted her of violating the Emergency Decree. She was subsequently granted bail.
The activist-turned-politician, who was named in the 2024 global list of Next Generation Leaders by TIME magazine, told the media, before the reading of the verdict, that 10 people, including her, were charged with violating the Emergency Decree.
She was the only person charged with offending the monarchy in under §112 of the Criminal Code.
She insisted she had no intention to offend the monarchy, but simply wanted to point out that there was problem with the use of the lèse majesté law during the administration of former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
She said that, if she were to be convicted, she would use her political position as an MP and a surety to apply for bail.
A number of supporters showed up in front of the court to offer moral support, among them were Move Forward party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and several Move Forward MPs.
An official from the German Embassy in Bangkok was also present to observe the court proceedings.
Chaithawat said that he hoped Chonthicha would be acquitted, but that the party was ready to apply for bail, adding that she would be granted bail, if convicted, “because the right to bail is a right of every individual”.
The court initially imposed a three-year prison term on Chonthicha, but commuted the sentence by one-third without suspending it.
