Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets again yesterday in Bangkok after four pro-democracy activists were arrested on charges of lese majesty. They wrapped the democracy monument in the center of the Thai capital with red cloth and called for the deletion of Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which makes libel under severe penalties. If the four activists are not released, the protests should continue in a week.
A court had previously ordered the four well-known activists, including student leader Parit Chiwarak and human rights lawyer Anon Numpa, to be held in custody. It refused to be released on bail. If convicted under Article 112, they face up to 15 years imprisonment for each charge. Your case has given a new impetus to protests, which have recently subsided significantly due to a new wave of coronavirus infections.
The movement for more democracy in Thailand started last summer and at its peak brought tens of thousands of mostly young people onto the streets. They are calling for the resignation of the former army leader and current head of government, Prayut Chan-O-Chan, a new constitution and reform of the monarchy. Numerous activists are therefore already charged with sedition or lese majesty.
