Thai Activist Receives Record 50-Year Sentence for Criticising Monarchy

Bangkok: In a move raising concerns about freedom of expression, a Thai court has handed down a staggering 50-year prison sentence to a former pro-democracy activist for online criticism of the monarchy. This marks the longest lese-majeste sentence in Thailand’s history, further escalating tensions during a time of political polarization.

Mongkol Thirakot, 30, was initially sentenced to 28 years by a lower court for 14 social media posts deemed offensive to the king and his family. However, an appeals court recently found him guilty of an additional 11 violations, bringing his total punishment to an unprecedented 50 years behind bars.

This harsh sentence comes amidst a growing trend of lese-majeste prosecutions against political dissenters. Rights groups like Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) allege that the controversial law, known as Article 112, is being weaponized to silence criticism of the monarchy and stifle democratic expression.

“This record-breaking sentence sets a chilling precedent and fuels concerns about Thailand’s shrinking space for freedom of speech,” said TLHR spokesperson Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul. “Mongkol’s case exemplifies the government’s increasingly repressive tactics to clamp down on dissent.”

Thirakot’s case has drawn international attention and sparked outrage among pro-democracy activists. Critics point out that the sentence is disproportionately harsh, especially considering the nature of the alleged offences – social media posts expressing personal opinions.

In response to the escalating use of lese-majeste charges, calls for reform of the law have intensified. Many urge clearer definitions of what constitutes “insulting” the monarchy and advocate for more lenient punishments.