Peaceful protesters in Thailand are at risk of arrest and up to eight years’ imprisonment as authorities seek to silence calls for authorities not to delay promised elections.

Authorities have cracked down on individuals, including student activists and supporters of the political opposition, who were at a peaceful pro-democracy protest on 27 January 2018 where around 100 individuals gathered on a walkway outside the MBK Centre, a central Bangkok shopping centre. Criminal proceedings against 39 individuals who were present at the protest, including alleged observers have been initiated by authorities.

All 39 individuals face criminal proceedings under charges allowing for up to one year’s imprisonment for violating two laws that excessively restrict the right to peaceful assembly – a ban by executive order of gatherings of five or more persons for “political” purposes, and a prohibition of public gatherings within 150 metres of a royal palace under the Public Assembly Act (2015).

Nine individuals, including student anti-coup activist Rangsiman Rome, lawyer Anon Nampa, political and opposition activists Ekkachai Hongkangvan, Sirawith Seritiwat and Sombath Boonngamanong, also face charges of sedition, allowing for up to seven years’ imprisonment for their alleged part in the organization of the peaceful assembly. Members of the group already face multiple charges for exercising their right to freedom of expression after military authorities took power in a coup in May 2014.