Arnon Nampa’s 3-Year-Old Remembers Father as Prisoner in Strict Lese Majeste Case Amid Thailand’s Political Unrest

Three-year-old Piyarat Nampa dashes towards the clanging of cell doors. His sole recollections of his father, renowned human rights lawyer and activist Arnon Nampa, are from courtroom appearances – not his advocacy work, but his multiple lese majeste cases under Thailand’s infamous royal insult law.

“He remembers Arnon with his closely shaved head, leg irons, and prison uniform,” Arnon’s spouse Pathomporn told a media outlet. “Every time we pass by the court, he says ‘We are visiting Dad.'”

Arnon faces a combined sentence of 29 years in prison due to lese majeste charges, making him a familiar name in Thailand where unwavering reverence towards the monarchy is both expected and enforced. With four ongoing cases against him, Arnon, father of two, risks over 60 years behind bars for speeches advocating for reforms within the powerful monarchy.

“Our eldest child asks daily when we will reunite. Our home is constantly filled with sadness because we cannot provide clear answers,” said Pathomporn, using only her first name.

Since 2020, a total of 281 individuals have been charged with lese majeste in Thailand, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), including ordinary citizens, activists, an American scholar, and even children.

Last Friday, Thailand’s billionaire former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a divisive and influential political figure, was acquitted in his lese majeste trial, held privately. Upon leaving court, Thaksin smiled at supporters and repeatedly said “dismiss.” He wore a necktie of the monarchy’s color, yellow.

Lese majeste is a law enforced by some monarchies worldwide, but few are as strict as in Thailand. Those convicted of criticizing, insulting, defaming or threatening the king, queen, or heir apparent may serve between three and 15 years for each offense, with sentences reaching up to 50 years. Even discussing the royal family carries significant risk, as complaints can be filed by anyone – officials, public members, or even children – with police obligated to investigate.

Supporters of the law argue it is necessary to protect the monarchy from threats or harm, to preserve its position at the heart of Thai society, and for public order.

“It’s a law safeguarding the head of state,” said Tul Sitthisomwong, a pro-royalist medical doctor and activist. “It can be compared to laws in other countries that protect the state.”

However, human rights organizations and free speech advocates claim the law has been used as a tool for political repression and silencing critics of the Thai government, as well as shielding the monarchy from scrutiny and reform. Lese majeste prosecutions have notably increased during periods of anti-government unrest.

Even tourists in Thailand, one of the world’s most popular destinations, must be mindful of their words and actions to avoid lese majeste charges.

“The risk of being charged or prosecuted for lese majeste remains constant if you are in Thailand,” said Akarachai Chaimaneekarakate, advocacy lead at TLHR.

Lese majeste cases have seen a significant increase under King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne in 2016 following his father Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passing, whose reign lasted over 70 years.

On August 3, 2020, Arnon Nampa was among several speakers at a Harry Potter-themed pro-democracy protest in Bangkok advocating for monarchy reform. This marked the first public discussion of reforming the monarchy and sparked nationwide youth-led protests demanding constitutional, military, and democratic reforms, including monarchy reform.

For this speech alone, Arnon was charged with violating Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code – lese majeste – and initially sentenced to four years in prison, later reduced to two years and eight months.

However, Thailand’s youth were inspired, and their protests, ultimately quelled by authorities, sparked a progressive political movement leading to unprecedented institutional reforms. Despite this, attempts to amend lese majeste have been unsuccessful, despite the risks, with recent but failed attempts taking place.

An Amnesty Bill currently making its way through parliament offers hope to those imprisoned on political charges, although it is unlikely to include lese majeste. For Thaksin Shinawatra, his lese majeste case stemmed from comments made a decade ago to a South Korean media outlet. The Bangkok Criminal Court dismissed the case on Friday, stating there was insufficient evidence of lese majeste against Thaksin, but it marks the beginning of a series of legal challenges for one of Thailand’s most influential families that could lead to another shift in government.

His acquittal brought relief to many of his supporters, known as the “red shirts.” Despite his populist policies being criticized by the country’s wealthy elites and conservatives and being dogged by corruption allegations he long denied, Thaksin built a political dynasty that has dominated Thai politics for 20 years, boasting four prime ministers.

Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra was recently suspended as prime minister, with the Constitutional Court set to decide her fate next week. “Conservative forces can always keep these cases ready, like playing a game of cards, and they could use them if they wish,” said Chambers.