BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Supreme Court upheld a 46-year prison sentence without parole for an activist over Facebook posts made in 2021, intensifying debate over the country’s strict lèse-majesté law.
Supreme Court confirms 46-year sentence
The Supreme Court confirmed the conviction of 32-year-old Mongkol “Busbas” Thirakhot, a former online clothing seller and activist, for 27 Facebook posts published between March and April 2021. Judges ruled that the posts violated Section 112 of the Criminal Code, Thailand’s lèse-majesté provision, as well as the Computer Crime Act. The provincial court in Chiang Rai announced the top court’s decision on Thursday in a session closed to the public.
From initial verdict to harsher appeals ruling
Mongkol had first been sentenced by a district court before the Region 5 Court of Appeal increased the punishment to 50 years in prison. The Supreme Court slightly reduced that term to 46 years, but rejected any suspension of the sentence at all stages of the proceedings. The activist had already been held in pre-trial detention for 694 days without ever being granted bail.
Activism linked to legal prosecution
The legal action began after Mongkol staged a hunger strike in April 2021 in front of the Criminal Court in Bangkok. He had demanded the release on bail of political prisoners at that time. Shortly afterwards, he was charged twice over his online activity, first for 25 posts and then for two further posts.
Combined case and contested lèse-majesté charge
Both cases were later merged into a single trial. Mongkol admitted to having written all of the posts but denied committing lèse-majesté. He maintained that the content did not amount to an insult against the monarchy, according to the court record.
Harsh enforcement of Section 112
The case highlighted what critics described as the extreme severity of the Thai judiciary’s response to alleged violations of Section 112. Opponents of the law viewed it as a tool to suppress freedom of expression. International human rights groups sharply condemned the ruling and called for reform of the lèse-majesté provision and for Mongkol’s release.
Domestic debate and judicial stance
Within Thailand, the issue remained highly contentious in public debate. While civil society groups and parts of the political opposition expressed concern, the judicial system continued to apply a strict interpretation of the law.
Chilling signal to civil society
Observers saw the verdict as an intimidating message to Thailand’s civil society and opposition. It underscored the high risks associated with online criticism and political commentary on social media. Mongkol’s case was one among dozens in recent years in which people were sentenced to long prison terms over similar allegations.
Final judgment and last hope
The Supreme Court’s decision was now final and legally binding. A royal pardon from the king remained the last possible avenue for relief from the 46-year sentence. For the 32-year-old, the punishment effectively meant a life behind bars.
Symbol of the free speech struggle
Mongkol’s case was expected to continue serving as a symbol of the struggle over freedom of speech in Thailand. The debate over Section 112 and its enforcement was far from over, according to rights advocates. The Thai judiciary’s firm line in this judgment marked a clear boundary, with consequences likely to shape society for years to come.