Don’t dare ask 112

Thai Enquirer’s Facebook page reports that the Criminal Court sentenced pro-democracy activist Natthanit Duangmusit or Baiphor, of the Thalu Wang group to three years in prison for lese-majeste over a poll on the monarchy’s powers. The sentence was reduced to two years in “light of her age, student status, and contributions to society.”

The post adds:

The case involved Baipor and two other group leaders—Supitcha “Maynu” Chailom …[fled] and Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom (deceased)—who were charged with insulting the monarchy and violating the Computer Crime Act. On April 18, 2022, the defendants conducted a public poll at Mo Chit BTS station and Sanam Pao in Bangkok, asking citizens whether they agreed with the government allowing the King to exercise his powers at his discretion.

That is, an exercise that is common in most constitutional monarchies, but not in royalist Thailand.

The court apparently found the testimony of “seven police investigators credible, confirming Baipor’s active participation, including distributing stickers for the public to indicate agreement or disagreement regarding the monarchy’s powers.”

This is how silly and sadly dangersous Thailand has become for those who oppose daft monarchism.

Bail has been posted pending an appeal.