Move Forward MP handed 2 years in jail for lese majeste
Chonticha Jaengraew sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of insulting the monarchy during a protest speech in 2021
Move Forward MP Chonticha Jaengraew was on Monday sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of lese majeste (insulting the monarchy) during her speech at a protest in 2021.
Thanyaburi Provincial Court ruled that Chonticha breached the royal defamation law, or Article 112 of the penal code, by criticising the enactment of the 2017 Royal Service Administration Act and how the monarch utilises authority.
Chonticha, who represents Pathum Thani province’s Constituency 3, had also faced a charge of breaking the emergency decree by taking part in a public protest. However, this charge was revoked by the court.
The court decided to grant the MP bail, which saved her from losing her status in Parliament. The Constitution bars jailed individuals from holding political positions.
The opposition Move Forward Party currently has 147 seats in the Lower House, six more than the ruling Pheu Thai Party with 141.
Speaking to reporters this morning ahead of the verdict, Chonticha said she had spoken with goodwill and sincerity during the protest, adding that she was “not worried” about the issue.
The Move Forward lawmaker was last week named one of 10 “Next Generation Leaders” by TIME Magazine.
Chonticha is among three Move Forward MPs charged under Article 112. The others are Rukchanok Srinork and Piyarat Chongthep. Rukchanok was sentenced to six years imprisonment last December but was granted bail.
