Thai Dance Teacher Jailed 18 Months Over Facebook Comment
Thai Dance Teacher Jailed 18 Months Over Facebook Comment
BANGKOK, April 22, 2026 — A court in Thailand’s Chai Nat province has sentenced a classical dance teacher to 18 months in prison over a Facebook comment deemed to violate the country’s strict lese majeste law, according to court proceedings on Monday.
The Criminal Court of Chai Nat ruled that a comment posted on March 1, 2021, on the Facebook page “KTUK – คนไทยยูเค” breached Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, as well as the Computer Crime Act.
Thailand’s Section 112, commonly known as the lese majeste law, criminalises defaming, insulting or threatening the king, queen, heir apparent or regent. Convictions can carry prison terms of three to 15 years per count.
The court initially imposed a three-year sentence but reduced it by half because of the defendant’s guilty plea, leaving a final sentence of one year and six months. The sentence was not suspended.
Despite the conviction, the defendant was granted bail pending appeal, allowing release while higher courts review the case.
The case adds to continuing debate over Thailand’s lese majeste law, one of the world’s harshest royal defamation statutes, which has drawn criticism from rights groups and international observers concerned about freedom of expression.
Supporters of the law argue it is necessary to protect the monarchy, a central institution in Thai society.
Legal analysts say appeal proceedings will be closely watched for signals on how courts may interpret future online speech cases involving Section 112.
Thailand has seen a sharp rise in royal defamation prosecutions since youth-led protests in 2020 reignited calls for political reform and greater public discussion of the monarchy.
