Court Acquits Thanathorn in Section 112 Case

Post Today•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

A court has acquitted prominent political figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of charges under Article 112, ruling that his criticism of the government's COVID-19 vaccine management did not constitute defamation of the monarchy.

•The Criminal Court acquitted Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of charges related to Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code and the Computer Crimes Act.
•The court found that Thanathorn's live broadcast criticizing the government's COVID-19 vaccine policy was an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
•The ruling emphasizes a distinction between criticizing government administration and undermining the monarchy.
•The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the full verdict to decide whether to appeal the case.

Overview

•The case originated from a live broadcast criticizing the government's COVID-19 vaccine management several years ago.
•The Criminal Court acquitted Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of charges under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act.
•The court determined that Thanathorn's speech was aimed at criticizing the government's administration and was an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
•The court stated that the defendant's actions constituted an exercise of rights and freedoms to express opinions and criticize in good faith according to the constitution.
•The ruling sets a new precedent distinguishing between criticism of government and defamation of the monarchy.
•The case is seen as a landmark decision in the context of freedom of expression and political criticism in Thailand.
•The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the full verdict to decide on an appeal.
•The decision on whether to appeal will be made after the Office of the Attorney General studies the full ruling by a special committee.

Full article content is available on the original source.

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Source: Post Today (Original)

Key Quotes

Court

"The defendant's actions constituted an exercise of rights and freedoms to express opinions and criticize in good faith according to the constitution."

การกระทำของจำเลยจึงเป็นการใช้สิทธิและเสรีภาพในการแสดงความคิดเห็นและติชมโดยสุจริตตามรัฐธรรมนูญ

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit

"The court's ruling this time is highly consistent with the guidelines and policies of Mr. Adisak Tantivong, President of the Supreme Court."

คำวินิจฉัยของศาลในครั้งนี้มีความสอดคล้องอย่างยิ่งกับแนวทางและนโยบายของนายอดิศักดิ์ ตันติวงศ์ ประธานศาลฎีกา

Key Entities

Person

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit(ธนาธร จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ)ℹ️

President of the Progressive Movement, defendant acquitted in a Section 112 case.

General Prayut Chan-o-cha(พลเอกประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา)ℹ️

Former Prime Minister of Thailand, who was criticized by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit regarding vaccine management.

Mr. Adisak Tantivong(นายอดิศักดิ์ ตันติวงศ์)

President of the Supreme Court, whose guidelines on political cases were referenced by Thanathorn.

Organization

Criminal Court(ศาลอาญา)

The court that presided over and issued the acquittal verdict in the case against Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

Office of the Attorney General(สำนักงานอัยการสูงสุด)

The prosecuting authority that filed the charges and is considering an appeal in Thanathorn's Section 112 case.

Committee for Consideration of Section 112 Cases(คณะกรรมการพิจารณาคดี 112)

A committee established by the Attorney General to review Section 112 cases for potential appeals.

Law

Criminal Code Article 112(ประมวลกฎหมายอาญา มาตรา 112)

The lese-majeste law, under which Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was accused.

Computer Crimes Act(พระราชบัญญัติว่าด้วยการกระทำความผิดเกี่ยวกับคอมพิวเตอร์ฯ)

Legislation under which Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was also accused.