20 -JAN - 2024 : Man Given 50 Years in Prison for Insulting Thailand's Monarchy

A Record-Breaking Sentence

Monol Tiot, a 30-year-old man, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison in Thailand, which has sparked a lot of public attention. Surprisingly, the cause of this extraordinary sentence is quite startling. His arrest was not due to a violent crime or an act of terrorism, but rather because of his Facebook posts. It may seem unbelievable, but this severe punishment was actually a result of 27 critical Facebook posts about Thailand's monarchy. King Vajira Lorn, also known as Rama the 10th, is held in high regard in Thailand. Disrespecting or defaming him is considered a serious offense.

The Lèse-majesté Law

Thailand's lèse-majesté law, also known as Section 112, deals with offenses related to the royal family. According to this law, people who spread false information, disrespect, or make harmful statements towards the king, queen, heir apparent, or regent could face imprisonment for a duration of 3 to 15 years. It can be quite challenging to avoid being charged under this law, as prosecutors have the power to decide what counts as an insult or defamation. This law has been misused many times throughout its history, and the case of Monol Tiot is a recent example of this issue.

Censorship and online activism

Monol Tiot's case is not a unique occurrence. Several young Thai activists have been accused of insulting the monarchy because of their efforts to promote reform. However, expressing disagreement can have consequences that go beyond just offering criticism. It may sound unbelievable, but even just liking a social media post about royal reform can result in imprisonment. Even seemingly innocent actions, such as showing appreciation for pictures of the king, even if they depict him in unconventional clothing, can lead to outcomes.

For instance, photographs have surfaced showing the king of Thailand wearing crop tops, despite his royal status. The online pictures were met with disapproval from Thailand's pro-monarchy military, as they were widely shared. Individuals were charged under Section 112 for merely expressing their appreciation for these photos, highlighting the absurdity of the law.

The King's Controversial Reputation

The reputation of Thailand's current monarch, Rama the 10th, has been a subject of debate and controversy. Despite frequently being in Germany, he wields considerable authority and possesses a substantial amount of influence. In addition, he has established a headquarters in the Alps, where he operates his business. In 2018, the king consolidated Thailand's royal estates, giving him direct control over the entire $43 billion estate, effectively making it his personal wealth.

The king has a rather unconventional personal life. He has been married four times, sometimes to former mistresses, and has even elevated a mistress to the position of royal concubine. These actions have come as a surprise, considering that polygamy has been banned in Thailand for many years. However, the case of Monol Tiot serves as a clear example of the serious repercussions that can result from criticizing or mocking the king's actions.

An Unjust System

Thailand's king wields significant power and commands great respect, even though the country operates as a constitutional monarchy. Thailand's system has significant flaws, as individuals can face lengthy imprisonment for merely questioning or criticizing the monarchy. There is a growing demand for a complete restructuring of the system due to the absence of a platform that allows people to freely express their concerns.

In Conclusion

The story of Monol Tiot and his 50-year prison sentence for expressing his opinions on Facebook, which were critical of Thailand's monarchy, highlights the harshness of the country's lèse-majesté law. Severe consequences await those who dare to question or insult the king or the royal family, regardless of the validity or intention behind their words. The system in Thailand requires urgent reform to safeguard freedom of expression and uphold the rights of its citizens.