UN calls for release of Thais jailed for criticising monarchy

The UN has called for an immediate and unconditional release of those jailed in Thailand for criticising the monarchy, saying the laws under which they were arrested were “vague” and needed to be amended.

“We call for the immediate release of all those who have been jailed or held in prolonged pre-trial detention for the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

“We also urge the military government to amend the vague and broad lese-majeste law to bring it in line with international human rights standards,” Shamdasani said.

“Until it is amended it should not be used arbitrarily to curb debate on critical issues of public interest even when it involves criticism of heads of state or government,” she said.

The UN’s call came after the Bangkok military court sentenced Pongsak Sribunpeng to 30 years in prison on August 7 for posting six comments that were critical of the Thai Royal Family on Facebook.

The sentence initially of 60 years –10 years for each of his posts –was reduced to 30 years on <g data-gr-id="21">guilty</g> plea.

On the same day, the military court in Chang Mai handed a 28-year prison term to a hotel staff woman, Sasiwimol Patomwongfa-<g data-gr-id="23">ngarm</g>, for seven posts on Facebook critical of the monarchy.

The sentence had again been reduced from 56 years due to her guilty plea.