The Appeals Court ruled to uphold the 12-month prison sentences for "Sainam" and "Oi" for spray-painting the Democracy Monument, stating that this act damaged a historic site, which is national heritage.
At the Criminal Court on 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, the Appeals Court read its judgment in case No. Dk.1416/2023, where the 10th Criminal Prosecutor filed charges against Naphasin Trirayapiwat, or "Sainam," and Sitthichai Prasai, or "Oi," political activists, jointly accused of writing or drawing that damaged a historic site under the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Arts and National Museums Act of 1961, Sections 32 and 35.
::On 6 Apr 2023 GMT+7, the defendants jointly spray-painted the Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing to demand bail rights for a young female political activist.
The Criminal Court reviewed the evidence and found both defendants guilty as charged, sentencing each to 12 months in prison without suspension.
The defendants appealed, claiming no intent to commit the offense and requesting that the Appeals Court convert the sentence to a suspended one.
The Appeals Court considered that their actions damaged a historic site, which is national property. Although it was a political expression, it still violated the law. The Appeals Court agreed with the lower court’s judgment, dismissed the defendants’ appeal, and upheld the 12-month prison sentences without suspension for both.