Since late March 2025, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights has noticed a troubling pattern of criminal courts banning public broadcasting of courtroom events in Section 112 cases (lèse-majesté crimes). Courts have stated that no person is allowed to broadcast events occurring in court. The unclear scope of this ban might lead to “contempt of court” prosecutions or fear of journalists to report the cases.
This order has been issued in at least 4 cases, even with different panels of judges: On 28 March 2025 at Arnon’s Nampa’s contempt of court hearing, on 2 April 2025, in the examination of evidence in the Section 112 case of “Tawan” Tantawan Tuatulanont, on 18 April 2025, in the examination of witnesses in the Section 112 case of Arnon Nampa, and on 22-23 April 2025, in the examination of witnesses in the Section 112 case of “Narin”.
In particular, the order affects the principle of “public trial” and the people’s right to scrutinize the exercise of judicial power, which ensures to the right to a fair trial. Although the court has the legal power to impose regulations or restrictions to maintain peace and order in the court area, such power must be exercised within the framework of appropriateness, proportionality, and must not unnecessarily affect the fundamental rights of the people.