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Thailand
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Thailand activists stage crop-top protest against lèse-majesté law

  • The pro-democracy activists gathered at the central Siam Paragon shopping centre, posing in front of a store owned by one of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s daughters
  • The Royal Palace made no comment and has not done so since the start of the protests in July

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Pro-democracy activists led by Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, second from right, give the three-finger salute during an antimonarchy demonstration at Siam Paragon shopping centre. Photo: AFP
Reuters
Some of Thailand’s highest profile protest leaders dressed in crop tops and paraded at a central Bangkok shopping centre on Sunday in a jibe against King Maha Vajiralongkorn to demand the repeal of the law against insulting the monarchy.

The crop top is a reference to pictures showing the king dressed in one which have appeared in European tabloids in recent years.

Among at least 35 activists currently facing charges under the lèse-majesté law is 16-year-old Naphasin Trirayapiwat, who wore a crop top and had antimonarchy slogans written on his midriff at a protest.

A supporter poses with protest leaders Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Chiwarak at Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters
A supporter poses with protest leaders Panusaya Sithijirawattanakul and Parit Chiwarak at Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters

“If we don’t fight for Naphasin today, nobody will be safe from expressing their opinions,” said Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak, who is also facing royal insult charges, which can mean up to 15 years in prison.

The Royal Palace made no comment and has not done so since the start of protests in July. Government spokesman Anucha Buropchaisri said lèse-majesté was being used in accordance with the law and not to block freedom of expression.
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