Decades of political conflict—including coups d’état, protests, counter-protests, and state repression—have led to the imprisonment of political dissidents under broadly interpreted laws hostile to freedom of expression in Thailand.

General Prayut Chan-o-Cha led the most recent coup in 2014. He managed to stay in power after the 2019 election. He continued to restrict fundamental rights—particularly freedom of expression and assembly—, and prosecute dissidents.

Public disapproval of the general’s government culminated in the 2020-2021 pro-democracy movement which was suppressed with additional prosecution. Political imprisonment and detention—as well as the fate of prisoners and detainees—are issues we must not ignore.

According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, as of February 2024, there are at least 25 political detainees and 13 political prisoners. Of the 25 people in pre-trial detention, 16 are charged with lèse-majesté and 2 are minors. Of the 13 decided cases, 6 are lèse-majesté cases. 

It is also important to note that part of the reason some people decided not to appeal and to end their legal battles is that they had been denied bail. Accepting a guilty verdict became their last hope to eventually regain their freedom. There are still over 795 cases at various stages that are ongoing, meaning more people may be incarcerated for their political expression or participation in assemblies.

Even though the general elections were held in 2023 and Thailand has since been led by a civilian government, this situation will persist unless issues of human rights violations are tackled and justice is returned to the people and the political prisoners.

The imprisonment of political dissidents has resulted in the creation of an environment of fear, which fosters self-censorship among both the media and the general public. Those most impacted, however, are the incarcerated and their loved ones. With their liberty taken away, incarcerated individuals become isolated from society and face a low quality of life in prison. Their families, especially those previously dependent on them, become more vulnerable as well. 

Engage Thailand aims to address these challenges by fostering communication and awareness about political detainees and prisoners in Thailand. Our goal is to mobilize international support to free and, in the meantime, to assist those incarcerated for political reasons.

Learn more about Thai political detainees and prisoners here: