Two young Thai pro-democracy activists began a hunger strike in prison on January 18, 2023 to demand the release of several activists arrested for the crime of "lèse-majesté" – that is, for criticising the royal family. Our Observer, their lawyer, told us how this crime is often used to silence democratic opposition.
Smeared with red paint, Tantawan "Tawan" Tuatulanon and Orawan "Bam" Phuphong, two young Thai pro-democracy activists aged 21 and 23, appeared in Bangkok's criminal court on January 16 to ask a judge to revoke their bail. This move was in solidarity with other activists who are imprisoned and awaiting trial for the crime of lèse-majesté.
