Tag
Thailand monarchy
Changing Thailand: New Ideology, Old Politics
By Watcharin Rattanataymee
Despite the PM vote setback, the success of the Move Forward Party during the election has created a new dynamic in Thai politics – one that is likely to persist.
Thai Court Acquits Protesters of Threatening Queen’s Motorcade
By Sebastian Strangio
The case was a rare example of moderation in a case involving the sensitive subject of the Thai monarchy.
Will Thailand’s Move Forward Party Give Up on Lese-Majeste Reform?
By David Hutt
Even if it puts off amending the royal defamation law for now, change is probably inevitable given shifts in public attitudes toward the monarchy.
Thai Opposition Coalition Unveils 23-Point Policy Platform
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact enshrines many of the Move Forward Party's most ambitious reforms, but does not include its plans to amend the lese-majeste law.
Lèse-majesté Abolition Push Is Gaining Ground in Thailand
By David Hutt
In the May election, a significant number of Thais are expected to vote for a party that has spoken about the need to reform – or even abolish – the lèse-majesté law.
Thailand’s Lese-Majeste Cases Are a Travesty of Justice
By Kevin Bell
Courts are trying political activists for insulting the country's king, while sidestepping any discussion about what they actually said and whether it was true.
Thai Political Activist Jailed for Mocking, Impersonating Queen
By Sebastian Strangio
Jatuporn Saeoueng was convicted of insulting Queen Suthida by impersonating her at a demonstration in October 2020.
How Lese Majeste Laws Are Eroding Free Speech in Southeast Asia
By Samantha Holmes
Lese majeste laws are irreconcilable with freedom of expression.
Airline Apologizes for Tweet Poking Fun at Thailand’s King
By Sebastian Strangio
An April Fool's tweet referenced the apparently volatile relationship between King Vajiralongkorn and his consort Sineenat Wongvajirapakdi.
Thai Activist Sentenced to 2 Years Prison for Defaming King
By Sebastian Strangio
Narin Kulpongsathron is accused of affixing a sticker to a portrait of King Vajiralongkorn during a political protest in 2020.
Royalists Step Up Campaign Against Thai Chapter of Amnesty International
By Sebastian Strangio
A network led by the ultraroyalist booster Seksakol Atthawong claims the rights group supports the abolition of the Thai monarchy.
Pavin Chachavalpongpun on the Strange Death of King Ananda Mahidol
By Sebastian Strangio
"Like a ghost from the past, the decades-old case continues to haunt the Thai monarchy and poses a threat to its stability."