A political amnesty law takes effect in Thailand but excludes lese majeste
Summary
Thailand has started a new law to forgive political crimes committed over the past 20 years, but it does not include cases involving defaming the monarchy, known as lese majeste. The law aims to help heal political conflicts but excludes serious offenses like lese majeste, corruption, and violent crimes.Key Facts
- The amnesty law applies to political offenses from January 1, 2005, to July 15, 2025.
- About 6,000 people could benefit from the amnesty, which can end court cases, clear records, and free prisoners.
- Lese majeste cases, which involve defaming the monarchy, are not covered by the amnesty.
- Lese majeste law allows anyone to report others and can lead to long prison sentences, up to 15 years.
- More than 290 people, many student activists, have been charged with lese majeste since 2020.
- Only about 10 people involved in lese majeste cases are expected to be eligible for the amnesty.
- The law was passed by Thailand’s Parliament in July and will be overseen by a committee led by the prime minister.
- Thailand’s political struggles have involved conflicts around former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and issues with the military and monarchy supporters.
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