In June, at least 54 public assemblies were organized, at least 13 more than in May. More public assemblies have been held on the environmental issue and the right to land. As to the elections, public assemblies have been held to remand the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to promptly certify the results of the election. The issues that prompted the most public assemblies continue to be a demand of the right to bail. At least 29 public assemblies were held coalescing the issue including at least 26 Stand Stop Imprisonment in front of the Bangkok Supreme Court and at least three by We, The People at the Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai.
The second-most popular issues that prompted public assemblies were the environmental issue and the right to land withat least10 public assemblies. Villagers of Ban Kwan Khiri Nok, Lampang and members of the Northern Peasant Federation (NPF) and the Lampang Network of Ethnic People have submitted a letter of petition to the Director of the 3rd Forest Resource Management Bureau (Lampang) at the LampangProvincial Hall to protest against plantation scheme in the area since it would impact their traditional way of life. The Kham Pa Lai Watershed Conservation Grouphas submitted a letter of petition to the Governor of Mukdahan against the permission being given to a wind farm project located in Site 2 of the National Forest Reserve of Dong Moo Forest.Residents around Kut Thing Pond, Bueng Kanhave gathered to protest the public hearing on the draft Plan for Kut Thing Wildlife Sanctuary Conservation and Protection to demand an investigation into the facts and to revoke the area declared as the Kut Thing Wildlife Sanctuary Conservation which overlaps with public land.
The People’s Network for the Conservation of Khao Traopling and alliances have submitted a letter of petition to the Pattani Governor demanding that the approval of the results of public hearing on the licenses of granite mine in Saiburi be declared void due to a lack of transparencies and only proponents of the project have been invited to attend the meeting.The Northern Peasant Federation (NPF)has submitted a letter of petition to Pita Limjaroenrat during the discussion between the Move Forward Party and civil society representing ethnic and indigenous people in Chiang Maito reiterate the four recommendations from the electoral results immediately” to advocate for the issue and to demand a stoppage of any effort to disband a political party.Activists of the 24th of June for Democracyhave submitted a letter to the ECTto demand the certification of the electoral results and to not accept to review complaints on ITV media share ownership against Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP) since there was no evidence the company was operating in media business.Members of the public and a network of academics in Chiang Maihave submitted a letter of petition to the ECT 30 daysafter the election given the ECT’s failure to formally certify the electoral results.Members of the public have gathered in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) to demand the ECTcertify the electoral results33 days after the election.
On issues concerning the election, The People Who Loves Kingmembers have submitted a letter at the Parliament to show their solidarity with the Senators for their announcement to not support any political party which adopts a policy to dismantle the monarchy.
24 June1932 marked the change from an absolute monarchy to democracy, 91 years until now. At least four events have been organized in its commemoration. The NEO LANNA organized “Hae Mai Kham for Democracy: Calling for decentralization” parading a symbol of democracy and displaying signs at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai on 24 June 2023. Amidst the drum performance, the People’s Party Declaration no.1 was read with the demands for a better ruling system.Apart from the NEO LANNA’s activity, other commemorative events have been held including a panel discussion by the Constitution Advocacy Alliance (CALL) and its alliances as part of the campaign "Heading to Thammasat to celebrate national day of Ratsadon" at the Sculpture Park of Thammasat University’s Tha Pra Chan Campus .The Move Forward Partyorganized the activity "The modern time, the new Constitution: 24 June, the dawn of democracy and hope."The Mok Luang Rim Namorganized the activity “Democuisine: Devouring hope, swallowing truth” inviting the public to eat food and participate in panel discussion on the fight toward democracy.
Nonetheless, at least two attempts have been made to derail the “Hae Mai Kham for Democracy: Calling for decentralization” by the Network of Patriotic Thais Who Love the Monarchy (North) which has submitted a letter of petition to the President of Chiang Mai University to protest against the planned event.The People’s Center for the Protection of Monarchy (SPPS)members have also marched and gathered to show their loyalty to the nation, the religion and the monarchy in front of the ibis Styles Hotel where a panel discussion related to the campaign was being held.In this month, the pro-monarchy people have organized at leastfour activities. Apart from the aforementioned ones, the People’s Center for the Protection of Monarchy (SPPS)have submitted a letter of petition to General Prayut Chan-ocharequesting for an investigation into the launch of the National Student Movement which according to them might constitute an attempt of session and treason. They have also submitted a letter of petition to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) expressing their concern that a separatist movement is conducting brainwashing activities in various regions and demanding clarity as to plans to protect the three main pillar institutions of the country.
In addition, various organizations have collaborated to organize the Bangkok Pride 2023 to raise the awareness and demand rights, freedoms and human dignity of all people equally. Key issues in the campaign include gender recognition, marriage equality, sex workers’ rights, and equal access to welfare among LGBTQ+.On the same day, freelance people organized an activity “Three yearspast, we don’t forget Wanchalearm” to commemorate the enforced disappearance of Thai political exile, Wanchalearm Satsaksit, and to demand justice for his family. The activity was held as part of the Bangkok Pride 2023
Update on legal cases and harassment against the public as of June2023
Not so many new prosecutions have been made in June, although ruling has been made in at least 12 cases concerning Section 112 including non-guilty and guilty verdicts with unsuspended sentencing. Meanwhile, after more than two years of legal defense, the Court has dismissed the case concerning a blockade of royal motorcade in violation of Section110. Verdicts have been delivered in at least eight cases concerning the Emergency Decree as well.
Since the Free Youth led public assemblies on 18 July 2020 until 30 June2023, at least 1,916individuals have been charged for participating in public assemblies or expressing their political opinions in 1,226cases. Of this, 371cases have reached the final verdicts leaving more than 855active cases pending in various stages of the procedure. Of these cases, 215 cases are against 286 youth under 18 years of age. Compared with May 2023, two more individuals have been charged in eight new cases (counting only those who have never been charged before.) Altogether, there have been at least 3,860 legal actions against the individuals although some of them are charged for multiple offences
Detail of key offences can be described as follows;
1. “Lese majeste” offence pursuant to the Penal Code’s Section112, at least 252suspects in 271cases
At least three more individuals have been charged in three such cases this month, all of whom have later been indicted. This includes Wavefor sharing and posting messages in Facebook regarding the manufacturing of vaccine at the expense of taxpayers' money since around May2021.Somphon (pseudonym) has been accused of hurling red water at the portrait of King Rama X in Don Muang. This was the sixth indictment of his in violation of Section112.3Sathaphon (last name withheld) was charged for expressing himself during the passing of King Rama X’s and Queen Sutida’s royal motorcade in front of McDonald's at the Democracy Monumenton2 May2022.
There were witness examinations on the Section112 case against Chonthicha Jaengrewfor posting a message addressed to the King during the “Ratsadon San” campaignon8 November 2020. The Criminal Court has proceeded to let the hearing take place even though the defense lawyers were not present in the courtroom since the Court has arbitrarily moved up the schedule of the hearings even though the defense lawyers had informed the Court that they would be busy with other cases during the time. Still, the Court did not allow the request for postpone the hearings.Chonthicha has thus refused to recognize the hearing. Afterward, the Court has eventually yielded to pressure and allowed the defense witness examination to be postponed, while conducting an additional hearing to have the defense lawyers to cross-examine the prosecution witnesses.
This month saw verdicts delivered in 12 cases, with at least two non-guilty verdicts including Siraphat Deesawatwho was accused of untying portrait of King Rama X from the security box in a housing project in Prachachuen, Nonthaburi, and then thew the picture frame into the canal on8 August2021. The Court believed Siraphat simply intended to commit a theft at night. That he had to drag the picture frame on the ground was because of its heaviness. According to the Court, he had no intent to insult the King, although he was found guilty for violating the Emergency Decree and night time theft. He was sentenced for the breach of the Emergency Decreeto six months in jail anda fine of40,000 baht, and for night time theft to one year in jail anda fine of20,000 baht. The punishment for violating the Emergency Decreewas reduced to three 3 months anda fine of20,000 baht, while the night time theft was reduced to six 6 months anda fine of10,000 baht. Altogether, he was to serve up nine months in jail and a fine of30,000 baht with two years of suspension.As to Kanokwan (last name withheld)was indicted on an offence of receiving stolen property in the same as Siraphat since she was accused to having in possession of the picture frame, he had stollen. She was also acquitted due insufficient evidence. Chukiat Sangwong was accused of putting a sticking paper on King Rama X’s portrait at the entrance of the Supreme Court with a statement that read “garbage disposal site!” during the public assembly on 20 March 2021. He was acquitted on Section112, Section116 and four other charges given insufficient evidence to pin down the perpetrators. He was although sentenced to one month and a fine of 2,000 baht for violating the Emergency Decree, albeit with one year of suspension.
Guilty verdicts were delivered in at least10 cases, two of which an imprisonment was imposed without suspension and the bail requests were denied. This includes Theepakonwho was accused of posting and sharing YouTube video clips questioning the value of the Thai monarchy around October 2020. He has since been convicted and sentenced to three years without suspension and the forfeiture of evidence Warunee (last name withheld)was accused of posting a doctored photo of King Rama X while changing clothes of the Emerald Buddha and the original clothes were replaced with violet long skirt with Sirivannavari brand and a dog photo was inserted. She was convicted and sentenced to three years, reduced for guilty plea to one year and six months without suspension.
Guilty verdicts made with suspended jail terms in at leastfive cases including the case against Phum Hua Lamphong, 18-year-old activist, for holding an activity with his friends to hold signs to demand release of political prisoners at the Equestrian Statue Plaza the night of 30 December 2021. Since he was around 18 when committing the offence, the Court has reduced his punishment on Section112 to two years anda fine of2,000 baht for disobeying orders of competent officials. Given his guilty plea, it was reduced to one year anda fine of1,000 baht.Thida (pseudonym)was accused of sharing video clip via TikTok lip-syncing the song “King in the Fairy Tales” which has gone viral around August2021. She was convicted on Section 112 and sentenced to three years, which was reduced to one year and six months given her guilty plea.1Pholamouang (pseudonym)was charged related to a Line group chat among business entrepreneurs. After a fight among them, someone in the Group Chat reported the case against him based on the chat messages. He was convicted on Section112 and sentenced to three years, which was reduced to one year and six months given his guilty pleac Phong (pseudonym)was accused for posting six Facebook messages concerning the monarchy from 11 Octoberto 14 November 2021. He was convicted on Section112 and sentenced to 18 years, which was reduced to six years and 36 months given his guilty plea.Thanyawadee (pseudonym)was accused of commenting in “Thai Airways” Facebook Page regarding the acceptance of taxpayers' money and donation some money to the public around 2020. She was convicted and sentenced to four years which was reduced to two years.
Guilty verdicts made without suspended jail terms, albeit with bail granted inat leasttwo cases including the case against Prasong Khotsongkramwho was indicted on two counts for posting and sharing Facebook messages around May-June2021, he was convicted and sentenced to six years, which was reduced to three years.5Chukiat Sangwongand Wanwalee Thammasattaya were indicted for making speeches during the public assembly at the King Taksin the Great Monumenton6 December 2020. The Court convicted and sentenced to them to four years each, while reducing it by one third to two years and eight months each.
In addition, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkithas challenged the judicial order to block access to the video clip ‘Royal Vaccine: Who benefits and who loses?’ in online plat form by the Progressive Movement. It was a critique of the Covid-19 vaccine procurement on18 January 2021. Invoking the Computer Crimes Act’s Section 20, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society filed a motion with the Criminal Court to order a blockade of access to the video citing it featured content which might violate Section112 and the Computer Crimes Act’sSection14(3). The Lower Court ordered the removal of the blockade citing a chance should have been given for the website’s owner to argue their case and the interpretation of the phrase “affecting national security” must be made strictly. By saying that His Majesty the King held shares in Siam Bioscience does not mean Thanathorn had placed His Majesty in grave contempt or hatred. The Appeals Court, however, overturned the verdict citing blockade of access could be done without having to hear evidence from the website’s owner. The Supreme Court later upheld verdict of the Appeals Court claiming by allowing the video to get disseminated, it may encourage people to post comments which may be damaging to the monarchy, and there was no need to deliberate if the livestreamed video of Thanathorn could not have been treated as an exercise of the right and freedom to criticize the performance of the government or not.
In addition to the onslaught of indictments on Section 112, there have no reports of the non-prosecution orders in such cases. It is also worrying that the interpretation of Section 112 tends to be so vague and this has led to the unreasonable verdicts. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Thailand is a state party protects individuals who exercise their right to freedom of expression under Article 19 and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly under Article 21. In addition, the UN Human Rights Committee has raised concern about lese majeste laws around the world by stating that all public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority such as heads of state and government, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition. Criticisms of public institutions should not be prohibited. Even though certain accusations on lese majeste may be perceived of involving an act of defamation, but the Committee holds that “imprisonment shall never be an appropriate sanction in all such cases.”
One more case on the monarchy that saw a verdict in June was the case against Ekachai Hongkangwan, Bunkueanun Paothong, Suranath Paenprasert and two other civilians who were indicted on charges of attempted violence against Her Majestyunder Section110, the act of which is punishable by 16-20 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment. They were accused of blocking the route of the royal motorcade which has gone through public assembly area on14 October 2020 after more than two years of defending themselves in court. Ekkachai was remanded in the Bangkok Remand Prison for 18 days, while Suranath was remanded for 13 days and was even subject to solitary confinement at the Bang Kwang Prison as we. The Court has acquitted them on all charges since both the participants in the public assembly and the police appeared to have unclear understanding. While the police failed to clear the route before the arrival of the motorcade, the people themselves were not properly informed and it appeared it was the police who blocked the traffic route.
2. Sedition pursuant to the Penal Code’s Section116, at least 130 suspects in 41 cases
TheCommander of the 33rd Military Circle have reported cases against Chatchai Thammo, Watcharaphak Thammachak, Thiraphon Pudthasi, Benchaphat Thongnanta, and Lanner and NEO LANNA Facebook Pagesregarding the NEO LANNA’s Hae Mai Kham for Democracy: Calling for decentralization at the Three Kings Monument, Chiang Mai on 24 June 2023 mainly for violating the Penal Code’s Section116 and the Computer Crimes Act
The 12political activistswhoparticipated in the Free Youth public assemblyon18 July2020 at the Democracy Monument and have been indicted for violating Section116. In this case, the Court convicted them as charged for violating Section116 and sentenced them to two months of imprisonment, and a fine of 2,000 baht each for violating the Cleanliness Act and the Road Traffic Act, altogether two months of imprisonment anda fine of2,000 baht with two years of suspension.
3. An offence against the Emergency Decree, at least 1,469 suspects in 663 cases
No additional prosecution has been reported this month regarding the Emergency Decree. There were, however, at least eight verdicts deliveredThree of them to acquit 12 activists for participating in the public assembly led by Free Youthon18 July2020 on charges concerning the violation of the Emergency Decree, although the defendants were found guilty in other charges.418 activists of the Thalu Fah and other people were acquitted after charged for spray-painting and throwing paint at the signs at the Thung Song Hong Police Station on3 August2021 on the violation of the Emergency Decree and the Controlling Public Advertisement by Sound Amplifier Act since they were not the organizers of the public assembly. As to the charges concerning Section360, the Court convicted and sentenced Jatupat Boonpattararaksa and Songphon Sonthirak to one year with two-year-suspension and a fine of 6,000 baht each since it could be proven by evidence that both were involved with throwing the paints.121 activists were acquitted for allegedly gathering in the Ratsadon On Tour assembly in front of the Phu Khiaw Police Station on1 February2021 to demand an apology from the police regarding their harassment against families of the students.
In addition, guilty verdicts were delivered in five cases. 10 activists of the Thalu Fahwere found guilty for throwing paints in front of a branch of the Democrat Party to demand their resignation from being part of the coalition on30 July2021 and were sentenced to one year and ten months and a fine of 25,200 bahteach, although the imprisonment was reduced to 11 months and a fine of 12,600 baht. Nawaphon Tongngam was the only defendant who was not indicted for mischief, but has been convicted and sentenced to one year and 6 monthsand a fine of20,200 baht with sentencing reduced to nine months anda fine of10,100 baht with two years of suspension for the ten defendants Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul และ Shinawatra Chankrachangwere found guilty related to the public assembly on28 September2020 in front of the 4Th Cavalry Division, the 1st Division, the King's Guard and were fined 2,000 baht each for violating the Emergency Decree, 200 baht each for unauthorized use of amplifier, and 5,000 baht for causing a filthy thing to dirty a thing, altogether 25,200 baht each.4Peerapong Permpoon was found guilty for participating in a public assembly “Mob23 Oct, public discussion on FREE OUR FRIENDS FREE OUR FUTURE, Reform the judiciary” in front of the Bangkok Remand Prison on23 October2021 and was sentenced to 20 days of imprisonment and fined for 10,000 baht. He was also fined 200 baht for violating the Controlling Public Advertisement by Sound Amplifier Act and had the imprisonment reduced to 15 days and the fine to 7,500 baht and the fine for violating the Amplifier also reduced to 150 baht with one year of suspension of the imprisonment.In addition, three youth including Momo, who was16 when the crime took place, Ton-or, who was 16 when the crime took place and Ping (pseudonym), who was 15 when the crime took place were found guilty for participating in “Rainbow Car Mob Khabuan Kee v.1 Haek Kee Pai Lai Khon Janrai” organized by the Feminist's Liberation Front on1 August2021 by the Central Juvenile and Family Court for violating the Emergency Decree and were fined 4,000 bahteach. Ping was also fined 400 baht for violating the Road Traffic Act while Momo and Ton-or were acquitted on the charge.2
Nonetheless, the Appeals Court also overturned previous verdict in a case against four members of the public for participating in Car Mob Korat on15 August2021. Previously, they were found guilty by the Lower Court given their guilty plea and were fined 5,000 bahteach while Phattharakan was acquitted. The Appeals Court overturned the verdict and convicted and fined Phattharakan for 10,000 baht.
Until now, the Emergency Decree has constantly been used against a large number of those exercising their right to freedom of public assembly, particularly those criticizing the performance of the government. Such acts are protected under Article 21 of the ICCPR regarding freedom of expression and information, and under Article 19 of the ICCPR on freedom of expression, under Article 12 of the ICCPR on freedom of movement, and under Article 25 on the rights to take part in the conduct of public affairs. Nonetheless, such prosecutions have to be carried out as necessarily and proportionately. And according to Article 4 of the ICCPR, a state party may derogate from its obligations under the ICCPR as necessarily and proportionately depending on the exigencies of the situation. Thailand has since informed the Sectary General of the United Nations for the derogation between 26 March 2020 to 30 April 2020. No additional communication has been made to inform the Sectary General of the United Nations about the extension of the Declaration of the State of Emergency. As a result, Thailand could not have exercised its right to derogate from its obligations under ICCPR since after 30 June 2020.
4. An offence against the Public Assembly Act, at least 148 suspects in 80 cases
Charges concerning the violation of the Public Assembly Act were pressed againstSomyot Pruksakasemsukand Thanaphon Wichanfor organizing an activity to mark the International Workers' Day "Casting away the devilish regime, Rebuilding a New Nation" at the Chamai Maruchate Bridge, the Government House the morning of 1 May 2023.1
5. An offence against the Computer Crimes Act, at least 178 suspects in 196 cases
The Appeals Court upheld the Lower Court’s verdict to acquit Zee (pseudonym),for allegedly posting photos of a man while reveling in an entertainment parlor with a caption linked to Saksayam in April 2021.
6. A contempt of court, at least 36 suspects in 20 cases, and insult of the court, at least 34 suspects in 10 cases
The Appeals Court upheld previous verdict to have six activists detained for 10 days being accused of livestreaming via Facebook while writing inappropriate words on the wall inside the holding cell of the Thanyaburi Provincial Court, causing loud noise and damage to public assets.
Individuals remanded in custody as of June 2023
This month saw just a few cases of harassment. Reported cases of harassment have been against children and youth including Yok, a 15-year-old youth, who was later remanded in custody at Ban Pranee in Nakhon Pathom on charges concerning Section112. It has prompted activists to come out and demand her release, leading to cases of harassment. The Mok Luang Rim Nam organized Walk for Friends walking from the Central Juvenile and Family Courtin Bangkok to Ban Pranee, Sam Pran District, Nakhon Pathom. On the same day, Ban Pranee’s Director ordered a suspension of family visit for five days citing safety of the children and youth under her care. In addition, Director of the Juvenile Observation Center in Bangkok has prohibited legal advisor from visiting Yok citing the person was not an attorney appointed by the Court even though the person served as attorney of Yok as an injured party.
After the Friends of Yok organized the Stand Stop Imprisonment in Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School, it was reported that two students in Grade Ten who participated in such activity were summoned by their teachers and got reprimanded about putting up a sign inside the school. They were also told that their scores would not be deducted this time, but next time, the teachers would ask for a meeting with their parents.
In addition to a campaign to have Yok released, according to Tantawan Tuatulanon,a plainclothes police official has taken photo of activists who participated in the 13th anniversary of the crackdown on the demonstration of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Given the pressure from the participants, the police agreed to delete all photos.
Harassment due to political activities asides, there was also harassment due to unknown reasons. For example, according to Ngernta Kamsen, she has been visited at home by police officials who claimed to come from Lat Prao Police Station and from investigation unit of the Metropolitan Police Division 4 in over one and a half months. It was unclear as to which laws have been invoked to carry out such visits.
Nonetheless,it has also been reported that Aey (pseudonym) was forced to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a group of individuals who claimed to be a part of the “Minion Army” with connection with military officers. She had to do so in exchange of not being charged for Section112, after a captured photo was taken showing her comment in a Facebook Page in April 2023. A military officer has sent to her supervisor the captured photo to complain about her conduct. On the day, she signed the MoU, a woman who claimed to be a part of the “Minion Army” and another three individuals who could be three military officers, all clad in plainclothes wearing a crop haircut, have come to her office to force her to sign the MoU. She also had to agree to act in compliance with several requirements including having to greet the royal family members during their visits, having to write a report about the contribution of the monarchy and having to give special class to 100 youth and sent to the “Minion Army” the video of the teaching.
Trend of harassment against the people in June 2023
In June, none of the persons remanded in custody have been released, albeit two more have been incarcerated in jail on Section112 charges including Theepakon (last name withheld)for posting and sharing YouTube video clips questioning the value of the Thai monarchy around October 2020. He has since been convicted and sentenced to three yearswithout suspension and has his bail denied by the Appeals Court. As a result, he has been remanded since 19 June 2023.1Warunee (last name withheld)who posted a doctored photo of King Rama X while changing clothes of the Emerald Buddha and the original clothes were replaced with violet long skirt with Sirivannavari brand and a dog photo was inserted, was convicted and sentenced to three years, reduced for guilty plea to one year and six months without suspension and was later denied bail by the Appeals Court. As a result, Warunee has been incarcerated since 28 June 2023.
In addition, the Court has convicted and sentenced Phonphot Chaengkrachang, Thanayuth Na Ayutthaya, and Patima to one year and a fineof 500 bahteach being accused of throwing Ping Pong bombs close to the residence of General Prayut Chan-ocha, the night of 10 April 2022. The three of them have been held in custody in a prison since 20 June 2023 before being bailed out on 22 June 2023.
In addition, there are eight convicted prisoners including Anchan (Section112), Suppakorn (Computer Crime Act), Nutchanon (possession of explosive), Corporal Methin (Section 112), Kritsana and Wannapa (Organization For a Thai Federation case, being members of criminal associations), Parithat (Section 112) Kathathon (possession of explosive) who is going to serve up his time on 24 July 2023, Thattapong Thiankhao after being indicted on possession of explosive on 1 March 2023 during the Thalu Gaz assembly on Ratchaprarop Rd. on 21 November 2021 and being denied bail and on 31 May 2023, he was sentenced to six years, reduced to three three yearswithout suspension and Suwit for possession of Ping Pong bomb during the protest on 10August2021, after the Appeals Court upheld his sentencing to one year and two months of imprisonment without suspension. Both of the latter prisoners decided to not appeal the verdicts.
The state of harassment against the public as of June 2023
There were not many reports of public harassment in June. Those subject to harassment continue to be activists who remained active. Issues that triggered harassment are mostly about the monarchyincluding the case of Sitthchai who reported that an unidentified young man with unknown affiliation followed him from the Criminal Court without informing him of his intention. Manee also reported that she was followed by plainclothes police as well probably to prevent her from organizing an activity during the Queen’s birthday.
Even though, Yok, a 15-year-old activist has been released from at Ban Pranee in Nakhon Pathom, she continued to face problems getting inside the compound of Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn School, since the School kept claiming her biological parents did not show up to register her with the School during the opening of the semester. Therefore, Yok has been treated as a non-student. And this has nothing to do with her getting dressed in casual clothes, having her hair dyed and failing to obey certain rules of the school. As a result, she was forced to climb the wall to get inside the school for several days.After she has been allowed to attend class, some teachers refuse to review her homework and tell her she is not eligible to sit in the examination and to receive the certificate.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has therefore issued a statement expressing its concern over the matter.Meanwhile,Nopphadon Prompasit, core member of the Centre of the People for the Protection the Center of Legal Assistance for Victims of Cyberbullying (BULLY) has posted in his Facebook page photos claimed to be "Yok’s house” with GPS coordinate on Google Map. He has even disclosed names of Yok’s parents.
It has also been reported that the People’s Center for the Protection of Monarchyled by Anon Klinkaew has given to the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) evidence and requested for an investigation of a student who has allegedly posted messages offensive to the monarchy. Nonetheless, he insisted on not reporting the case against her, but was there simply for the concerned agencies to help correct the student’s attitude.
In addition to issues concerning the monarchy, acts of harassment have been committed against The KOPI while their staff members were attending a workshop to review lessons learned at a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima. The group reported that they have been followed by individuals who claimed to be security officials. They kept asking them questions, took snap photos of them and asking for information from the hotel staff without identifying themselves. This made the group feel unsafe and has to ask for a meeting with the NHRCin Songkhla to report the incidence and their concern.
Trend of harassment against the people in July 2023
A few incidences of harassment were reported in June. The issues concerning the monarchy remain a hot issue that garners such harassment. It is a sensitive issue for the authorities and the People’s Center for the Protection of Monarchy and it has led to various forms of harassment to preempt any attempt to hold activities concerning the monarchy. It has also led to the reporting of cases against people who have expressed themselves online, even a child under 18 years old. There will be key events in July including the parliamentary voting of the Prime Minister. This will probably prompt many groups to organize political activities to demand the voting of the Prime Minister according to the will of the majority of the people. It is expected, acts of harassment will be committed against the public to prevent them from holding too many activities on the issue.