Freedom House is saddened by the death of 61-year-old Thai citizen Ampon Tangnoppakul, who was serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted in November 2011 of violating the Computer-Related Crimes Act and Lèse Majesté law for sending text messages ‘offending the Thai royal family.’ His death calls attention to the pernicious Lèse Majesté Law, which bans comments deemed offensive to the royal family in violation of the universal right to freedom of expression and should be repealed.
The sentencing on December 8 of Thai-born American citizen, Lerpong Wichaikhammat , “Joe Gordon”, to two and a half years in prison for defaming the monarchy is a clear violation of freedom of expression and a worrisome indicator of the Thai government is neglecting its human rights agenda.
Computer programmer Surapak Puchaieseng was arrested, detained and had his computer confiscated after “insulting” the Thai royal family on Facebook. Puchaieseng‘s arrest marks the first lèse majesté case since prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was elected. He also was accused of violating the 2007 Computer Crimes Act. Yingluck is the sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and assumed office in August 2011.
On May 26, Thai authorities arrested Lerpong Wichaikhammat in his home, after accusing him of criticizing the country’s monarchy. He was denied bail, charged with “inciting public unrest” and violating Thailand’s “Computer Crimes Act.”
