ชื่อ: เงินตา  (มานี)
Occupation: Retailer
Case: Lèse Majesté (Article 112) and insulting the court
วันที่ถูกจำคุก: 18 ก.ค. 2567
Location of Imprisonment: Central Women’s Prison

Manee, a native of Yasothon, settled in Bangkok around 20 years ago. She joined the Red Shirt protests in 2010. Prior to being legally charged, Manee sold coffee at Khlong Chan Flat. According to her, “the business was extremely bad during the Prayut government. My income was insufficient and I could not make ends meet.” She stopped selling coffee two years ago because she had to look after two grandchildren.

Her first grandchild was born prematurely and is unable to walk. Manee had to care for the two grandchildren and take them to physical therapy. She herself also suffers from depression and has been receiving treatment for over a year. She still takes medicine regularly.

In 2020, Manee witnessed the movement led by the Ratsadon group and decided instantly to join them. As an unaffiliated protestor, she participated in activities by any group that made demands on livelihood issues, equality, public health, etc. During 2020-2023, many people were arrested and Manee participated in actions to demand their right to bail.

The case that landed her in jail was related to an incident that took place on 28 July 2022 around 17.00-18.20. An activity “Standing to tell the King that we are being harassed” was held in front of the South Bangkok Criminal Court. Speeches were made using an amplifier and people held banners and placards criticizing the courts and the judges regarding their performance of duties, including the review of bail requests for “Bai Por” and “Bung.”

The witness hearing in this case was scheduled to take place on 4 June 2024. Nonetheless, prior to the commencement of the examination of witnesses, Manee recanted her previous statements and pled guilty to the charges hoping that her prison sentence would be suspended. The Court then ordered the suspension of witness examination and for court officials to explore and monitor the behavior of the defendant before delivering the verdict on 18 July 2024.

On that day, the Court convicted and sentenced Manee to a total imprisonment of seven years and a fine of 100 baht: three years for violating the Article 112 of the Criminal Code, two years for insulting the court, two years for defamation by publication, and a fine of 200 baht for unauthorized use of a sound systems. As she pled guilty, the punishment was reduced by a half to three years and six months and a fine of 100 baht. The punishment was not suspended.