Update :The number of lese majeste cases since the 2014 coup

Authorities in Thailand have in recent years increasingly used legislation, including the lèse majesté law, to silence peaceful dissent and jail prisoners of conscience. There has been a significant increase in lèse majesté cases  those who voice opposition against military rule since the 22 May coup.

The lèse majesté law prohibits any word or act which defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent and carries up to 15 years of imprisonment for each offence. It violates the right to freedom of expression as provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Thailand ratified in 1996.

Since the military coup in 2014,  there are 68 cases involving lese majeste law. In most instances it's been the military pressing the charges, and prosecuting and then dishing out the punishment in a military court.

 See all cases of individuals with charges after the 2014 coup or download the file.

Updated : 26 September 2016

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