30 Apr 12 | Asia and Pacific, Digital Freedom, Index Index, minipost
A verdict in the trial of a webmaster accused of failing to quickly remove online comments deemed insulting to Thailand’s royalty has been postponed. Judge Nittaya Yaemsri said more time was needed to process documents in the case of Chiranuch Premchaiporn, editor of news website Prachatai, with a new court date set for 30 May. Premchaiporn faces up to 20 years in jail for comments posted on the site by users. She is being tried under Thailand’s computer-crime laws, which address hacking and other online offences, but also prohibit the circulation of material deemed detrimental to national security, including defaming the monarchy.
05 Mar 12 | Asia and Pacific, Index Index, minipost
A 20 year old student faces 15 years in prison for “having opinions” after she posted a message on Facebook in Thailand. Police began investigating Kanthoop under Thailand’s strict lèse majesté laws in 2010 after she posted criticisms of the Thai monarchy on her Facebook wall, and allegedly distorted versions of the post were forwarded to authorities by email. If charged, Kanthoop, a student at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, could be the youngest offender of lese-majeste. The student, who has been spat at, publicly denigrated and threatened by police said: “I am guilty only of freedom of thought.”
21 Feb 12 | Asia and Pacific, Index Index, minipost
Ten prominent human rights defenders are standing trial in Thailand for leading a peaceful protest. Starting today, the activists will be put on trial for a demonstration against the attempt by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to pass undemocratic laws in December 2007. Protesters called for the military appointed NLA to stop passing controversial laws affecting human rights, civil liberties, social justice and privatisation. The ten were charged on 30 December 2010 after being summoned by police.
20 Feb 12 | Digital Freedom, Index Index, minipost
The trial of the web master of a Thai news website resumed last week after a long interruption.Chiranuch Premchaiporn, web master of Prachatai news website, faces a possible 20 year prison sentence for not removing certain user comments from her website quickly enough. The resumed case, which was delayed from October 2011 due to the severe flooding in Bangkok, heard five defence witnesses give evidence to the court on 14, 15 and 16 February. Chiranuch has said she was pleased that the defence witnesses were finally able to give their evidence.
