In a landmark decision, 29-year-old activist-turned-lawmaker Rukchanok Srinork of Thailand's Move Forward Party has been sentenced to six years in prison for allegedly insulting the monarchy. The court found her guilty over posts in 2020 on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, where she criticized a company owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn for its involvement in the manufacturing of a Covid-19 vaccine. Rukchanok, who faces disqualification from her parliamentary position in Bangkok if bail is not granted, intends to appeal the sentence. The lese-majeste law, among the strictest globally, shields Thailand's monarchy from criticism, carrying a 15-year jail term for each perceived insult. Rukchanok, once a prominent figure in an anti-government democracy movement, joined Move Forward, advocating for reforms to the royal institution and the lese-majeste law. The verdict underscores the ongoing challenges to free expression and activism in Thailand, with at least 262 people charged with insulting the monarchy since 2020, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights advocacy group.

The sentencing of activist-turned-lawmaker Rukchanok Srinork to six years in prison for alleged insults to the monarchy marks a significant development in Thailand's ongoing struggle for free expression. Rukchanok, a member of the Move Forward Party, found guilty over social media posts criticizing the involvement of a company owned by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a Covid-19 vaccine, faces potential disqualification from her parliamentary position.

This verdict highlights the stringent nature of Thailand's lese-majeste law, among the strictest globally, designed to shield the monarchy from criticism. Rukchanok's case, arising from her involvement in an anti-government democracy movement, underscores the challenges faced by activists advocating for reforms to the royal institution and the lese-majeste law.

As Rukchanok vows to appeal the sentence, the legal proceedings bring attention to the broader context of restricted freedom of expression in Thailand. The lese-majeste law, with its severe penalties, continues to stifle dissent, with at least 262 people charged since 2020. The verdict raises concerns about the state of democracy and the protection of individual rights in the country.

The international community and human rights advocates will likely closely monitor developments in Rukchanok's case, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent legal process that respects fundamental rights. The outcome will have implications not only for her personal freedom but also for the broader struggle for democratic values and freedom of expression in Thailand.