Singer-turned-political activist Chaiamorn Kaewwiboonpan, aka “Ammy the Bottom Blues”, was sentenced by the Criminal Court to four years in prison today, on charges of lèse majesté and arson related to the burning of HM the King’s portrait in front of Klong Prem Central Prison three years ago.
His co-defendant, Thanaphat Kapeng, was sentenced to one year in prison.
According to prosecutors, the two defendants splashed kerosene on the King’s portrait on the night of February 28th, 2021 and then set fire to it. Images of the incident were posted on a Facebook page under the name of The Bottom Blues. The two men denied all the charges.
Citing the same charge sheet and police report, that the two defendants and another activist, Parit Chiwarak, belong to the same political group seeking reform of the monarchy, the court said that the burning of the King’s portrait was intended to demonstrate that, if their demand for reform was not met, they would destroy the symbols of the monarchy, which is revered by most people.
Such action, said the court, amounts to an act of coercion to cause damage to negatively impact the monarchy.
