This article was originally published on Prachatai.
A 31-year-old dance teacher has been sentenced to prison on a royal defamation charge over a Facebook comment.
Korn (pseudonym), a Thai classical dance teacher at a school in Chai Nat, was charged with royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act for a comment under a post made by the anti-monarchy Facebook page KTUK – Konthai UK.
The complaint against him was filed by Thitiwat Tanagaroon, a royalist who confronted pro-democracy protesters with a raised a portrait of the late King Bhumibol during a protest at Central Pinklao on 20 October 2020. Thitiwat was later praised by the King while waiting with a crowd near the Grand Palace on 23 October 2020. He is a serial royal defamation complainant who has filed police complaints against several people.
Korn received a police summons in November 2023. He told Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) that the police asked to search his phone but did not have a warrant. Officers told him they wanted if he was part of any group and that the interrogation would drag on if he doesn’t consent to the search.
He was indicted on 12 September 2024. Although he was granted bail on the condition that he has to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, he spent 5 days in the Bangkok Remand Prison as getting the ankle monitor requires a signature from a family member who live in the same household. His sister had to travel from Chai Nat to file the documents.
In addition to the ankle monitor, Korn was prohibited from travelling overseas and must hand over his passport. He has to report to court every month, and is prohibited from repeating the offence or joining “disrespectful” activities.
TLHR said on 21 April that the Criminal Court found Korn guilty of royal defamation and violation of the Computer Crimes Act. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison, reduced to 1 year and 6 months because he pleaded guilty. His lawyers are requesting bail pending appeal.