Widely condemned Lazada promo appeared to mock Royal Family member but not one covered by Section 112
An online influencer has been acquitted of lese-majeste charges related to a controversial advertisement that seemed to mock a member of the Royal Family, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The Criminal Court dismissed the royal defamation and computer crime charges against Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, 30, on Wednesday.
These charges stemmed from a May 2022 campaign for the e-commerce company Lazada. Ms. Thidaporn was arrested in June following a complaint filed by petitioner Srisuwan Janya. Alongside her, Aniwat Prathumthin, known as Nara Crepe Katoey, and Kittikhun Thamkittirat, also known as Momdew Diary, were arrested but later released on bail.
The trio appeared in a TikTok video for Lazada, with Ms. Thidaporn dressed in traditional Thai silk and seated in a wheelchair. The advertisement sparked outrage among viewers, who claimed it mocked Princess Chulabhorn.
In response to the backlash, Lazada and the agency behind the ad issued apologies, and some organizations, including the Royal Thai Army, urged their members to boycott the platform.
The Criminal Court noted that the original complaint alleged Ms. Thidaporn mocked Princess Chulabhorn. TLHR reported that the judges emphasized that the lese-majeste law, under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, should not be broadly interpreted. The law specifically protects the King, Queen, Heir-apparent, and Regent, and since Princess Chulabhorn is not the heir, the court ruled that Ms. Thidaporn’s actions did not constitute a crime.
Aniwat was also acquitted in 2023, while an arrest warrant has been issued for Kittikhun, who is currently seeking asylum abroad.
