Court acquits four of lèse majesté charges

The Criminal Court acquitted an online influencer, two directors of an advertising agency and an executive of the Lazada e-commerce company of lèse majesté charges today, for the making and dissemination of a promotional video featuring a character who, allegedly, resembled HRH Princess Chulabhorn.

The three defendants were Supakchaya Chasokhuwiang, a creative employee of Intersect Design Factory, Thitanan Laoveerapatchara and Ruangroj Sri-ngam, both directors of the company, and Suchada Rangseekhut of Lazada.

The court ruled that Section 112 of the Criminal Code concerns actions which are deemed to defame or insult the King, the Queen, the heir to the throne and the Regent.

Even though one of the defendants dressed like Princess Chulabhorn and was seated in a wheel chair, the court said that the princess is not the heir to the throne and the prosecutor had not provided any evidence that the princess has been added to the immediate line of succession.

As such, the court found the defendants not guilty of lèse majesté and ruled that the defendant being seated in a wheel chair was meant for sale promotion and did not constitute an offence to people with disabilities.