The Criminal Court has sentenced two dramatists from The Wolf's Bride political play to five years in jail for lese majeste but reduced the term by half after they confessed.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, said they would not appeal and would serve their time. The verdict reading was followed by emotional scenes as the pair's friends sang to them in court, and chased their van as they were being taken to jail.
Speaking from her court cell immediately after the verdict, Pornthip said she thought the prosecutors might not appeal against the ruling either. They have 30 days to lodge the papers if they decide to go ahead. "I don't know if I could seek a royal pardon in time or not. Perhaps I just have to sit here in jail through to the end of the term," Pornthip said.
- Earlier report: 'Wolf's Bride' duo jailed
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn marks her 60th birthday on April 2. Prisoners who have received their final sentence can apply for a royal pardon on special occasions marked by royal family members.
The defendants committed their crime under the Criminal Code's Section 112, known as the lese majeste law. The court sentenced them to five years in jail each but reduced it to two years and six months after they confessed.
"The play threatened the monarchy because it was not only performed on stage but also spread through social media," the verdict read. "Therefore we see no reason to suspend the jail term."
About 60 people packed the small court room despite the court abruptly bringing forward its reading of the verdict from the afternoon as earlier scheduled, to before noon without prior notice. Observers included representatives of the US embassy and a delegation from the European Commission as well as foreign media.
The play about a fictional monarch was put together by former members of the now-defunct Prakai Fai troupe. It was performed on Oct 13, 2013, on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Oct 14, 1973, student uprising at Thammasat University. Since their arrest in August last year the court has rejected six bail requests for them.
Pornthip's mother, who traveled from Kalasin, cried after hearing the verdict. The 46-year-old, who asked not to be named, said she remained confident in her daughter's good conscience. "We all love and care for her," she said.
Friends of the pair gathered at the court Monday and sang solemn songs to give them moral support. As soon as the songs were over, authorities quickly moved Pornthip from her court cell and put her and Patiwat into a small van together. They were taken away from the court. Some friends ran after the van shouting their names and: "Hang on!" and "Solidarity!"
Human Rights Watch Asia director Brad Adams said freedom of expression in Thailand has been dealt another blow, and he faulted the National Council for Peace and Order for leaving a dark mark on Thailand's already battered international reputation.
"Vowing to protect the monarchy, the NCPO junta has accelerated efforts to prosecute people for a peaceful expression of views, such as performing a play, posting messages online, or making a speech," Mr Adams said.
Patiwat Saraiyaem, 23, and Pornthip Mankong, 26, said they will not appeal their sentences, meaning they can ask for royal intervention and a pardon.