14/12/2012 AL Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted THA 13/2012 Thailand Freedom of expression; 26/12/2012 Alleged violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression committed under the law of lèse majesté. According to the information received, the 2007 Constitution of Thailand contains the clause, ―The King shall be enthroned in a position of revered worship and shall not be violated. No person shall expose the King to any sort of accusation or action. ―Article 112 of the Criminal Code states that ‗Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years‖. These provisions are applied in a manner and with a frequency which raises concerns. The severity of the punishments received, the absence of exemptions on constitutional or legal grounds and the force it exerts over the judicial system adds to the chilling effect on free speech. Unlike regular defamation cases, which can only be initiated by a damaged party, lèse majesté complaints can be made by anyone in Thailand, which has resulted in a sharp increase of cases in the last years. From 2003 to November 2012, 58 cases under lèse majesté have been documented, involving Thitinant Kaewchantranont, Nattakarn Sakuldarachard, Surapak Phuchaisang, Chanin Klaiklueng, Ampon Tangnoppakul, Ibrahim Fahad A. Alsubaie, Thanthawut Taweewarodomkul, Yotwarit Chooklom, Suchart Nakbangsai, Weera Musikkapong, Parichat Wangdee, Ratchapin Juncharoen, Sondhi Limthongkul, Oliver Jufer, Robert R, Tassaporn Rattanawongsa, Theeranan Wiphuchanin, Noppawan Tangudomsuk, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Boonyuen Prasertying, Kannikar Tangphanit, Nattapon Wattanamongkol, Rangsan Sangsuk, Anthony Chai, Chotisak On-soong, Jonathan Head, Nikom Udomdech, Daranee Chancherngsilpakul, Jakrapob Penkair, Suriyan Kokpuey, Kritthi Raruk-luedet, Wiset Phishitlumken, Joe Gordon, Norawes Yospiyasation, Satien Rattanawong, Akechai Hongkangwarn, Hamdan Al-idreesee, Suwicha Takor, Bandit Arniya, Kochi Tagahachi; Somchit Wiriyasathabadee; Satit Laemkla; Harry Nicolaides; Wanchai Sae-ton; Weera Musikkapong; Wipas Raksakulthai; Bundinee Sutsukon; Watchara Pholnawee; Wipas Raksakulthai; Tarit Pengdit, Robert Amsterdam, Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Somsak Jiemtheerasakul, Surapot Taweesak, Sulak Sivaraksa, and Boonsong Chaisingkananont. Reply A/HRC/23/51 24 Date Type