Name: Chan Chiwaabancha (Khun Pan Sansathan) (Age 57)
Occupation: Freelance media; ‘Khun Pan Sansathan’ Facebook Page
Case: Lèse Majesté (Article 112) and insulting the court
Date of Imprisonment: 18 July 2024
Location of Imprisonment: Bangkok Remand Prison

“Chan”, aka “Khun Pan”, was born and bred in Nakhon Pathom. He graduated with a diploma in Electronics Technology from Chandrakasem Rajabhat University and then worked for a company for three years. During the financial crash in 1997, which took place when he was in his mid-20s, he decided to return to his hometown in Nakhon Pathom to do farming.

After his adventurous life in his hometown, in early 2018, Khun Pan moved to Nonthaburi to receive treatment for gallstones. In his leisure time, he started to use social media. He learned about the We Walk peace walk by the People Go group whose members were walking from Bangkok to Khon Kaen to demand civil rights. The activity was conducted during the era of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) military regime when much restriction was placed on public activities.

Since then, he has been quite interested in following political news and later participated in various demonstrations led by rural villagers and political demonstrations, including the protests by villagers from Chana District and the We Want Election protest. As he joined more demonstrations, he got to know more people. In 2020 when extensive demonstrations were held by students and people, he was also active. When any person was arrested related to the events, he would participate in the #FreeOurFriends activities to demand the release of political prisoners.

The case that landed him 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, Chan recanted his previous statements and pled guilty to the charges hoping that his 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 Chan 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 he 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.