Blind Woman Sent to Jail After Posting Article About Thai Royal Critic
On January 4, 2018 a Thai court threw a 23‑year‑old blind woman named Nurhayati Masoh into jail for 1½ years. Why? She shared a Facebook post written by the outspoken university lecturer Giles Ungpakorn, who has been on the run since 2009 after being accused of lese‑majeste—the country’s toughest law that protects the royal family from any form of insult.
What Happens When You Tease the Thai Crown?
The lese‑majeste law is no joke. Each count can add up to 15 years behind bars, and it covers not only the king but also the queen, heir and regent. The Thai military regime, which stepped in after a 2014 coup, has been sharpening this law’s teeth, especially online.
Narrating Nurhayati’s Misstep
During a court hearing, Nurhayati admitted she had indeed posted the article. Her lawyer, Kaosar Aleemama, told reporters that she didn’t realize her mistake would land her in a harsh jail sentence. As a visually impaired person, she relies on a special computer app to share content—despite the law’s strict limits.
Case Details
- Arrested in November 2017 in Yala province.
- Signed a three‑year sentence, dropped to 1½ years after her confession.
- Held continuously since the filing date of November 28.
State of the Lese‑Majeste Drafts
Since the military takeover, at least 94 people have faced charges, with 43 actually being convicted. Of those, 92% chose to plead guilty—hoping for lighter sentences. The group iLaw monitors such cases and hints there may be more hidden trials.
International Concerns
The United Nations has voiced alarm over increasingly harsh punishments for people accused of hurting the monarchy. The Thai junta insists these strict measures are necessary for “national security,” but critics say the law’s reach stifles free speech and is a major human‑rights hazard.
For now, Nurhayati’s case spotlights how a single Facebook post can spiral into a prison sentence when the law is as unforgiving as a monk’s glare at a non‑religious catchphrase.
