By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – Group of independent UN human rights experts on Thursday condemned Thailand use of lèse-majesté laws to imprison activists and human rights defenders, called for the repeal or significant revision of the country’s criminal code.
The experts in a press release warned that Article 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, which punishes criticism of the monarchy with up to 15 years in prison, violates international human rights standards.
“Under international law, individuals have the right to criticize public officials, including a King, and to advocate peacefully for the reform of any public institution, including the monarchy,” the experts said.
They described the law as “harsh and vague”, highlighted that it grants excessive discretion to authorities and courts, leading to widespread misuse.
Over 270 people have been prosecuted under Article 112, many receiving lengthy consecutive sentences since 2020.
“Lèse-majesté laws have no place in a democratic country,” the experts said.
They warned that their use stifles political expression and silences activists, journalists, and opposition members.
The experts urged the Thai Government to amend the country’s criminal code to align with international human rights laws and called for an immediate moratorium on prosecutions and imprisonments under lèse-majesté laws.
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