Lawyer Arnon loses another lese-majeste appeal

The Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld a lese-majeste conviction against lawyer Arnon Nampa, sentencing him to four years in prison for posting three Facebook messages in 2021 criticising the enforcement of the law and calling for reform of the monarchy.

The decision means that if all of the sentences against Arnon were served consecutively, he would face a total of 34 years and 5 months in prison, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

Arnon has been prosecuted under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law, in 14 cases, with rulings handed down in 12 cases so far. None of the cases are final, with appeals at various stages.

The 42-year-old human rights lawyer has already been detained for more than three years, with numerous bail applications denied.

The complaint in the case on which the Court of Appeal ruled was brought in June 2021 by Naengnoi Asawakittikorn, then chair of the Center for Assistance to Victims of Online Social Bullying.

Mr Arnon denied all the charges at his trial, saying he had posted the three Facebook messages but had no intention of insulting or defaming anyone. He said he was expressing his opinion in favour of reforming the monarchy for the better, in line with democratic principles, according to TLHR.

However, the court found that the statements were false, abusive and insulting, and had tarnished the honour of the King.