The Criminal Court sentenced Prutthikorn Sarakul, also known as Tonpai or Jo, a former progressive team member, to 20 years in prison for posting 10 messages defaming the monarchy.
At 09:40 on 18 Dec 2025 GMT+7 in courtroom 708 of the Criminal Court, the court read a verdict in absentia in a case where the Public Prosecutor from the Office of the Special Public Prosecutor for Criminal Cases 4 filed charges against Mr. Prutthikorn Sarakul, also known as Tonpai or Jo, former progressive team member, for defaming or expressing malice against the King by transmitting data into a computer system.
The prosecution stated that on 16 Jan 2022 during the daytime, the defendant brazenly defamed, insulted, or expressed malice toward the King by transmitting data—information, text, images—via the internet on Facebook and Twitter applications. He posted 10 messages defaming or expressing malice against the King, inciting public misunderstanding and encouraging opposition to the monarchy, potentially causing hatred. The defendant knew the posted information was computer data related to national security offenses. The incident occurred in Anusawari Subdistrict, Bang Khen District, Bangkok, and throughout the kingdom in connected cases.
The court considered that the prosecution presented consistent testimony from the arresting investigative officers who reported receiving information that someone using the defendant's Facebook account posted insults against the King, leading to a search warrant and room inspection where the defendant was found. Examination of the defendant's computer confirmed use of Facebook and Twitter accounts posting 10 insulting messages. Photos presented by the defendant confirmed he owned those Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The court found the investigative evidence credible, with no prior animosity against the defendant. The prosecution’s witnesses testified truthfully, supported by photos and signed statements voluntarily given by the defendant. The defendant’s actions were not expressions of opinion protected by the constitution but aimed to malign the King, causing insult and hatred—a serious defamatory act violating Criminal Code Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act of 2007.
The court ruled that the defendant is guilty under Criminal Code Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act of 2007 Section 14(3), committing multiple offenses punishable under the harshest penalty of Section 112. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison per count, totaling 30 years for 10 counts. Considering the defendant’s somewhat helpful testimony, the court reduced the sentence by one-third under Criminal Code Section 78, resulting in a total 20-year prison term for all counts.
Reporters noted that the defendant was released on bail but fled during witness examination. Therefore, the court issued an arrest warrant and proceeded with witness examination and a trial in absentia, scheduling today’s reading of the verdict to the defendant’s lawyer.