Thailand jails rider over alleged burning of king’s portrait

Thailand jails rider over alleged burning of king’s portrait

BANGKOK, Jan 19, 2026 — Thailand’s Appeal Court has sentenced a food delivery rider to more than two years in prison for royal defamation, ruling he attempted to set fire to a portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn during a protest in 2021. The court upheld an earlier conviction under Thailand’s strict lèse-majesté laws, concluding the defendant foresaw damage to the royal image despite his claim he was trying to extinguish a fire.

The case underscores the continued sensitivity surrounding the monarchy in Thailand, where criticism or perceived disrespect toward the royal institution can carry lengthy prison terms and remains a focal point of legal and political controversy.

Prachatai English