A THAI MP received a two-year prison sentence today for supposedly defaming the monarchy while speaking at a protest rally three years ago.

The charges against Chonthicha Jangrew of the centre-left Move Forward Party stemmed from a speech in 2021 demanding the release of all political prisoners. It was delivered in front of the Thanyaburi provincial court in Pathum Thani province, the same court that passed today’s sentence.

Ms Chonthicha was found guilty over parts of the speech referring to the government giving King Vajiralongkorn more power to control the palace wealth.

The judge alleged that she could have misinformed the public by suggesting that the monarch can spend taxpayers’ money on himself and use his influence to interfere in politics.

Defaming the monarchy is banned under article 112 of the Criminal Code and carries a penalty of three to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Ms Chonthicha was released on bail of 150,000 baht (£3,200).

She vowed to appeal, adding that she was glad to have been granted bail but wished that other political prisoners were given the same right.

Advocacy group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights says that, since early 2020, more than 270 people have been charged with violating article 112.