Performer Ammy the Blues, (singer) has overturned a lese majeste accusation.
Fresh Take:
The Appeal Court has tossed out the lese majeste case against musician Chai-amorn Kaewwiboonpan, better known as Ammy the Bottom Blues, and slashed the jail term for his co-defendant, Promsorn Viradhammajari, by half. Here's what you need to know about this ruling.
The Original ControversyThis legal battle dates back to January 2021, when Ammy leads a protest outside the Pathum Thani Provincial Court, delivering a speech and performing a song, seeking the release of student activist Sirichai Nathuang. As a result, both Ammy and Promsorn were charged under Thailand's notorious lese majeste law (Article 112). Initially, Promsorn was sentenced to four years in prison, with Ammy facing an identical charge.
The Court's Recent Decision (May 6, 2025)- Ammy's Acquittal: The Appeal Court acquitted Ammy, deeming the evidence provided by prosecutors questionable and insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.- Promsorn's Reduced Sentence: The four-year prison term for Promsorn was reduced to two years due to his confession during proceedings. Both Ammy and Promsorn were fined, with Ammy paying 200 baht and Promsorn 100 baht.
The Bigger PictureThis ruling presents a rare victory for free speech amid Thailand's strict enforcement of Article 112. However, the case of American scholar Paul Chambers continues to draw international scrutiny over the law's application. Ammy's legal struggle is now over, having started with a hospital-bed protest in February 2021, whereas Promsorn's reduced sentence represents procedural concessions rather than a sign of systemic leniency.
- Ammy's acquittal by the Appeal Court in the lese majeste case has garnered attention, marking a rare victory for free speech in Thailand where the law is stringently enforced.
- The decision to acquit Ammy, known as Ammy the Bottom Blues, was based on the court's determination that the evidence presented by prosecutors was questionable and insufficient for a conviction.
- Despite Ammy's acquittal, the international scrutiny over the application of Thailand's lese majeste law remains focused on the case of American scholar Paul Chambers.
- The entertainment and general news world, as well as the community of celebrities, are expressing thankfulness for Ammy's victory, particularly given the harsh penalties faced in crime and justice cases under similar circumstances.
