The Criminal Court on Thursday sentenced a 26-year-old man to eight months in prison for spray-painting anti-112 graffiti on the wall of the Emerald Buddha Temple within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
The incident took place on March 28, 2023.
Suttawee Soikham, also known as “Bang-ern,” was arrested after being seen using black spray paint to write and then cross out the number 112 on the wall outside the temple. In Thailand, protesters sometimes use the number 112 as a symbolic reference to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which addresses royal defamation.
After examining the evidence, the court found the defendant guilty under the Ancient Monuments, Ancient Objects, Art Objects and National Museums Act, as well as the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the City Act. The defendant’s actions were considered a single act violating multiple laws, so punishment was administered under the Ancient Monuments Act, which carries the heaviest penalty.
The court sentenced him to one year in prison without suspension. However, due to his useful testimony, the sentence was reduced by one-third to eight months imprisonment. The spray paint cans were confiscated, and other charges were dismissed. (TNA)
