31-10-2024 (BANGKOK) A Thai social media influencer has been cleared of royal defamation charges stemming from her participation in a controversial Lazada advertising campaign that sparked national outrage in May 2022.
The Criminal Court dismissed all charges against Thidaporn Chaokuwiang, 30, who had faced prosecution under Thailand’s strict lese-majeste law and computer crime legislation. The case emerged after activist Srisuwan Janya filed a complaint alleging that a TikTok promotional video featuring Chaokuwiang mocked a member of the Royal Family.
In the contentious advertisement, Chaokuwiang appeared wearing traditional Thai silk attire while seated in a wheelchair, leading to public accusations that the video intentionally ridiculed Princess Chulabhorn. The backlash prompted both Lazada and the creative agency responsible for the campaign to issue public apologies, with several organisations, including the Royal Thai Army, subsequently boycotting the e-commerce platform.
The court’s ruling hinged on a crucial legal interpretation of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which specifically protects the King, Queen, Heir-apparent and Regent from defamation, with offenders facing up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The judges emphasised that Princess Chulabhorn, not being heir to the throne, falls outside the scope of this legislation.
Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR) reported that fellow influencer Aniwat Prathumthin, known professionally as Nara Crepe Katoey, was previously acquitted in 2023. However, a third participant, Kittikhun Thamkittirat, who performed under the name Momdew Diary, remains subject to an outstanding arrest warrant after seeking asylum abroad.
