Name: Sirapob Phumphengphut (Age 24)
Occupation: Master’s Student, Legal Assistant
Case: Lèse Majesté (Article 112) from Public Speeches
Date of Imprisonment: 25 March 2024
Location of Imprisonment: Bangkok Remand Prison

“Khanun” Sirapob became interested in politics during the latter half of secondary school. He worked with “Education for Liberation,” which was a group of students who were interested in problems of education, such as inequality, rules, and the bodies of students. 

Khanun joined demonstrationa for the first time during the Hamtaro protest on 27 July 2020 and the Harry Potter protest on 3 August 2020. He spoke on one of the small stages about the problems of education, poor administration by the government and the pandemic. At that time, he was a student in the Faculty of Political Science at Srinakharinwirot University.

In October 2020, Khanun began to be featured more in the media. After the dispersal of protests and the arrest of many leaders on the morning of 15 October, Khanun gave speeches during demonstrations on the evenings of 15 and 16 October. But he had not yet spoken about the institution of the monarchy. 

Then, on 18 November 2020, at a demonstration in front of the Thai Police Headquarters, Khanun went on stage and spoke about the institution of the monarchy. This was the first and only time that he did so. He discussed the role of the king with respect to democracy in Thailand, including the king’s role in politics, the transfer of soldiers to be under the king’s command, and the relationship of the people to the institution of the monarchy.

Khanun explained that he has a dream of “...becoming a professor who shares his knowledge, understanding and passion for learning. That’s my dream. But this dream and hope cannot be achieved in the shadow of a high wall.” 

“Ultimately, I want to continue studying, either inside or outside the country. I want to further my knowledge. I hope the heavens will be kind to me.”  

On 25 March 2024, Khanun was sentenced by the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court to 2 years imprisonment from speaking at the 18 November 2020 protest. He was not granted bail while he appeals the case.

At present, Khanun is facing 6 cases related to joining protests in addition to his Article 112 case. Of the 6 cases, 2 are final, 2 are at the appeal stage, and 2 are at the examination by the prosecutor stage.