Thailand's Criminal Court today sentenced Phuritikon Sarakul, who currently lives abroad, to an additional 30 years in prison under the lese-majeste law. The charges stem from social media posts criticizing King Maha Vajiralongkorn made between November 2021 and March 2022. Phuritikon was found guilty of 10 counts, each receiving a sentence of three years in prison.

The defendant did not appear in court, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.

In December 2025, Phuritikon, 43, was sentenced in absentia to 20 years in prison for the same offense. Consequently, his total sentence amounts to 50 years in prison, marking one of the harshest penalties under Article 112.

Celebration of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 73rd birthday outside the Royal Palace in Bangkok on 28/7/2025. Photo: AFP

Article 112 of Thailand's criminal code, also known as the lese-majeste law, stipulates that individuals who "defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir, or regent" face imprisonment for three to 15 years per offense.

In 2024, a man in northern Thailand also received a 50-year prison sentence for lese-majeste. A Thai woman was sentenced to 43 years for a similar offense in 2021.

According to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) organization, at least 289 people have been charged under the lese-majeste law since 2020.

By Huyen Le (AFP, Khaosod)