S112 charge restored for Rama IX postThe Appeals Court yesterday reversed a lower court's decision to acquit a suspect charged with lese majeste over remarks deemed offensive to the monarchy. On June 2, 2020, Mr Wutthipat posted the comment online about the passing of King Ananda Mahidol, or King Rama VIII, in 1946. On July 19, 2021, Siwaphan Manitkul, a private citizen, filed a police complaint accusing Mr Wutthipat of violating Section 112, as well as the Computer Crime Act. During the court's witness hearings on March 1-2 of last year, Mr Wutthipat admitted he had posted the comment and made a reference to King Rama IX, the younger brother of King Rama VIII, though he argued Section 112 did not cover past kings. The Samut Prakan Provincial Court dismissed the case, reasoning that even though the defendant had posted a comment referencing King Rama IX with offensive remarks, Section 112 only protects the current king, queen, heir to the throne and regent.
