Activist jailed for Thai costume imitating highest institution

published : 12 Sep 2022 at 17:51

Jatuporn Saeoueng stands outside the Criminal Court in Thai costume before going inside to hear the ruling in her lese majeste case on Monday. (Photo: Jatuporn Saeoueng Facebook account)

A woman activist was sentenced to prison on Monday for wearing Thai attire with the intention of portraying the highest institution.

The Bangkok South Criminal Court sentenced Jatuporn Saeoueng, 23, to two years in prison and fined her 1,000 baht on lese majeste charges for wearing Thai traditional dress that intentionally mimicked the highest institution.

Kritsadang Nutcharat of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said the sentence was commuted from three years imprisonment and a 1,500 baht fine because she cooperated during the testimony process.

Ms Jatuporn, who is from Buri Ram, took part in an activity on Silom road on Oct 29, 2020, that included a fashion walk.

She denied committing any wrongdoing, but the court ruled on a rehearsal she did before going onto the catwalk, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights.

She was sent to the Central Women’s Correctional Institution, but was was applying to the Court of Appeal for release on bail.

Ms Jatuporn was in Thai costume when she appeared at the court for the ruling.

"I do not think I have done anything wrong by wearing Thai costume," she said before entering the courthouse. "I will continue to fight this case."