The Thanyaburi Provincial Court on Monday sentenced Move Forward Party MP Chonthicha Jangrew to two years in prison for royal defamation under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
The court ruling handed her a three-year sentence but reduced it to two years with no suspension.
Another charge of violating the emergency decree on public gatherings was dropped, according to the court.
The charges were filed after she and nine other activists rallied in front of the court in Thanyaburi district in Pathum Thani on Sept 11, 2021, demanding the release of political prisoners.
Ms Chonthicha applied for and was released on bail to fight the case in the Appeal Court, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). She retained her MP status during the court battle.
Ms Chonthicha was one of three MPs of the main opposition party who have faced lese majeste charges.
Chonthicha Jangrew
Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork was sentenced in December 2023 to six years in prison, without suspension, for less majeste and a computer crime in connection with online comments she made between July 18 and Aug 9, 2021. She is currently free on bail while she appeals.
Bangkok MP Piyarat "Toto" Jongthep faces three charges under Section 112 in connection with his activities as a leader of the WeVo guards during the anti-government protests in 2020 and 2021.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Court on Monday sentenced singer Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, aka "Ammy the Bottom Blues", to four years in prison and his accomplice to one year for burning the King's portrait and sharing a video of it in 2021.
The sentences were not suspended.
Public prosecutors said that Chai-amorn and Thanaphat Kapheng poured kerosene on a portrait of the King in front of Klongprem Central Prison in Chatuchak district on the night of Feb 28, 2021. They then set it alight.
Later Chai-amorn posted a video of the incident on his Facebook account, The Bottom Blues, which was set for public access.
The Criminal Court rejected the men's assertion that they had no ill intention towards the monarch and just wanted to express support for their call for the release of fellow activist Parit Chiwarak, aka Penguin, who was detained on many charges, including allegations of lese majeste and sedition.
The court said there were many other ways they could have shown support for their cause. The court said defence witnesses had said Chai-amorn, Thanaphat, and Parit had called for the reform of the royal institution. The burning of the portrait by Chai-amorn and Thanaphat conveyed a threat that dishonoured and discredited His Majesty the King, the court said.
Thanaphat Kapheng
The Criminal Court also granted bail for 22-year-old activist Tantawan "Tawan" Tuatulanon over the Section 116 accusation against her on Monday after being detained for 104 days, according to the TLHR.
Ms Tantawan, who is on a hunger strike, is required to wear an EM bracelet during her bail. She was detained at Thammasat University Hospital with 23-year-old Natthanon "Frank" Chaimahabut while receiving hospital treatment.
They have been charged relating to their protest during a royal motorcade procession in Bangkok on Feb 4. In total, they face five charges, including violating Section 116 of the Computer Crimes Act and the Traffic Act, as well as insulting officers on duty.
Tantawan Tuatulanon