A 42-year-old Thai human rights lawyer, Arnon Nampa, has been jailed for speaking against Thailand’s monarchy.

He was sentenced under Thailand’s lèse-majesté law. 

Mr Nampa has about 14 cases brought against him, increasing his prison term to 34 years.

The 42-year-old activist was convicted over his participation in a 2020 protest in central Bangkok. Unlike previous years, when protests were directed at government authorities, student protests in 2020 began focusing on the role of the monarchy in politics.

Due to the challenge, Article 112 served as a means of suppression over the past six years. Nampa’s involvement in the protests included demanding scrutiny and accountability while dressed as Harry Potter. 

The character of Harry Potter as a young boy depicts the protesters as young people challenging authoritarian power and calling for scrutiny of the monarchy.

Under Article 112, criticism of Thailand’s monarchy can be interpreted as defaming or insulting the monarch, hence the harsh imprisonment of Nampa and some other protesters. 

The effects of the law have become so severe that dozens of young activists fled into exile to avoid imprisonment. One of them is 24-year-old Supitcha Melinn Chailom, a fugitive facing four 112 charges, each carrying a possible sentence of three to fifteen years. 

She said, “As a young person, I could not question or have a discussion with people older than me. The monarchy gave me the same vibes.” 

She also noted the difficulty young people face when questioning institutions they are expected to respect. Judges have also been accused of criticising young activists even before their trials began.

Amid the restrictions, Mr Nampa appears to have received harsher punishments.

Despite his circumstances, Mr Nampa proved to be a responsible father to his children, who regularly visit him in prison. 

He carefully prepares for his court appearances, takes part in his own defence and supports other inmates despite the limitations.

Mr Nampa stated, “We must play a part in writing our own history. Become a drop of water that would one day become an ocean.” 

His case has become a prominent example of the legal consequences faced by activists challenging Thailand’s traditional political institutions.