Piyarat Chongthep
Piyarat Chongthep | |
|---|---|
ปิยรัฐ จงเทพ | |
| Member of the House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office 14 May 2023 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 23, 1990 |
| Party | People's |
Piyarat Chongthep (Thai: ปิยรัฐ จงเทพ) is a Thai activist and politician, serving as a Member of Parliament for the People's Party.[1]
Career
Royal defamation charges
Piyarat has been charged with royal defamation (Article 112 of the Criminal Code) under Thailand's lese-majeste laws three times.[2]
The first instance, Piyarat faced accusations of criticizing the Thai government's COVID-19 vaccine procurement, and was later acquitted.[3][2] A second case is ongoing, regarding a speech given at a 22 August 2020 protest in Ubon Ratchathani province.[2]
In a 31 December 2020 Facebook post, Piyarat allegedly referred to the Thai monarchy's use of taxpayer money when criticizing a police crackdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] He was also charged under Article 14 of the Computer Crime Act.[2] On 26 August 2025, Piyarat was acquitted of the charges.[2][4]
References
- ^ "Bangkok People's Party MP cleared of lèse-majesté". world.thaipbs.or.th. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- ^ a b c d e f "Court dismisses royal defamation case against activist-turned MP | Prachatai English". prachataienglish.com. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- ^ "Activist-turned MP Piyarat acquitted of royal defamation | Prachatai English". prachataienglish.com. 2024-10-12. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
- ^ "Criminal Court acquits People's Party MP of lese majeste charges". nationthailand. 2025-08-26. Retrieved 2025-08-26.