Thai protester charged under lese majeste laws after mock fashion show

Jaruporn Sae Ung speaks to reporters after arriving at a police station to face lese majeste charges

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A Thai woman who allegedly took part in a satirical fashion show by protesters seeking more accountability from the Southeast Asian nation’s monarchy has been charged under draconian lese majeste laws. 

The woman, identified by her lawyer as Jaruporn Sae Ung, was charged after she wore a pink silk dress and appeared on a mock “fashion catwalk” set up by demonstrators, reported Khaosod English. 

Critics of the sweeping law, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years, say it is being used to crush dissent amid growing public demands for curbs to the powers of the revered royal family. 

“It’s an interpretation and not the reality,” Ms Jaruporn’s lawyer, Yaowalak Anuphan, said about her case. “The lese majeste law has become politicised.”

Sarcasm and satire have been central to a months-long pro-democracy movement that has seen thousands take to the streets of the Thai capital, Bangkok. 

They call for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister, to resign, the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic, and reforms to make the royal court activities more accountable.

The rally in question, on the city’s Silom Road, was intended to imitate a fashion show by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, a daughter of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who sells her luxury goods at several malls in Bangkok.

The Thai pro-democracy protests have lasted for several months

Credit: Diego Azubel/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Protesters rolled out a red carpet and pretended to be models, at times making fun of the king’s gestures and appearance. Spectators reportedly prostrated themselves and chanted “Long live Your Majesty!”

The monarchy has long been considered an untouchable institution, and bold demands by student protesters for reforms have stunned the nation.

Media reports said another person who performed at the fashion show in a crop top was also charged with lese majeste. 

Several other high profile figures in the protest movement face lese majeste charges, signaling a move by the authorities to intensify their crackdown on activists conducting one of the biggest challenges to the royal and military elites in years.

Their demands for greater democracy have so far not been met, but Thai protesters plan to take a break and return stronger next year, one leader said on Monday.

"This year has been just an overture," said Arnon Nampa, a rights lawyer who has become one of the most prominent faces of the movement. 

“We’ll take a break during New Year’s holidays and will come back next year with more intensity and bigger turnout.”