Story perspectives

Thai Court Acquits Thanathorn, Ban Persists Amid Appeal

5/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Thai criminal court acquitted opposition leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit because his livestream remarks targeted the government’s vaccine rollout, not the monarchy.
Prosecutors have 30 days to file an appeal.
Thanathorn remains subject to a 10-year political ban imposed in 2020 that will lift in about four years.
Thanathorn's People’s Party lost the February election to the conservative Bhumjaithai party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Thai criminal court acquitted opposition leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit because his livestream remarks targeted the government’s vaccine rollout, not the monarchy.
Prosecutors have 30 days to file an appeal.
Thanathorn remains subject to a 10-year political ban imposed in 2020 that will lift in about four years.
Thanathorn's People’s Party lost the February election to the conservative Bhumjaithai party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.