Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) is deeply concerned about the latest developments in the case of prominent Thai human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa. On 25 June 2025, Mr. Nampa was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison under Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code (lèse-majesté). In addition, he was fined THB 10,200 for violations of the Emergency Decree and the Advertisement by Using Sound Amplifier Control Act B.E. 2493 (1950).
This marks Mr. Arnon’s ninth conviction under the controversial lèse-majesté law, which criminalizes criticism of the monarchy and carries severe penalties. His cumulative sentence now stands at 26 years, 9 months, and 20 days—25 years and 4 months of which are due to lèse-majesté convictions.
The current charges stem from a speech delivered by Mr. Arnon during a peaceful public assembly at Lat Phrao Intersection on 2 December 2020, in which he called for an open debate on the role of the monarchy. Although initially indicted with six others on 19 November 2021, the case was re-filed as a new matter on 15 November 2023 following one defendant’s guilty plea.
In its verdict, the Court ruled that Mr. Arnon had defamed the monarchy by alleging it had appropriated public assets for personal use. The Court held that even if such a transfer of assets had occurred under the Crown Property Act, Mr. Arnon had no right to make such claims.
L4L emphasizes that, under the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, lawyers have the right to freedom of expression and assembly—particularly when engaging in matters concerning the administration of justice and the rule of law (Principle 23).
Moreover, this case raises serious concerns regarding due process and judicial transparency. It marks the second documented instance against Arnon in which a Thai court has attempted to deliver a verdict in a closed hearing—a clear violation of the right to a public trial, as guaranteed by Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Section 177 of the Thai Criminal Procedure Code.
Mr. Arnon has been detained at Bangkok Remand Prison since 26 September 2023—a total of 638 days—and still faces five additional lèse-majesté charges awaiting verdicts. He is appealing all of his convictions, and his legal team is actively seeking bail.
In light of these concerns—and in advance of the upcoming appeal hearing—we call on the Thai authorities to:
- Ensure that Mr. Arnon’s appeal proceedings fully respect his rights to due process and a fair trial, in line with both domestic law and international standards, including Article 14 of the ICCPR and Section 177 of the Thai Criminal Procedure Code;
- Cease the harassment and criminal prosecution of Arnon Nampa, as it unduly interferes with his legitimate activities as a lawyer and human rights defender, including the exercise of his right to freedom of expression; and
- Ensure that all lawyers in Thailand are able to freely and independent conduct their professional activities, without fear of reprisals, in line with the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
L4L remains committed to closely monitoring Mr. Arnon’s case and to advocating for the protection of human rights and freedom of expression for all lawyers in Thailand.
