Four Versions of The Thai Lese Majesty Law and Two Proposed Versions

(1900) Defaming the King, the Major Concubine, Royal Progeny...

Section 4.--Whosoever defames the reigning king of Siam or the major concubine, or the princes or princess...with intemperate
words which may clearly by seen as truly defamatory, this person has acted illegally" [Imprisonment up to three years/Fine of up to
1500 baht]

(1908) Section 98.--Whosoever displays malice toward or defames the King, the Queen Consort, the Heir-apparent, or Regent when
he is carrying out his duties to the King, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding seven years or a fine of not more than five
thousand baht, or both.

(1908)Section 100.--Whosoever displays malice toward or defames the princes or princess from whichever reign, the punishment
shall not exceed three years or a fine of not more than two thousand baht, or both.

(1957)Section 112.--Whosoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent shall be
punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

(1976) Order of the National Administrative Reform Council No.41--Whereas the National Administration Reform Council considers
that the penalties for insult or libel upon the King, the Queen, the Crown Prince, the Regent,...are not proper for the present
situation. These penalties should be aggravated. Therefore, the chief of the National Administration Reform Council has given the
following orders: The provision of Section 112 of the Penal Code [the Criminal Law Code] shall be repealed and replaced by the
following: "Section 112. Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent shall be
punished with imprisonment of three years to fifteen years"

(2007)(Proposed):
"Section 112/1.--Whosoever defames, insults or threatens any Royal Prince or Princess shall be punished with imprisonment of one
to seven years, or fined from 20,000 to 140,000 baht, or both."

"Section 112/2.--Whosoever defames, insults or threatens the President of Privy Council, members of the Privy Council, or any
Royal Representative appointed by the King shall be punished with imprisonment six months to five years, or fined from 10,000 to
100,000 baht, or both."
[Those who defy court orders and report on current lese majesty cases shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding three
years, or fined up to 60,000 baht, or both.]

(2008)(Proposed) Key aspects:

- Extend protection to include relatives, descendants, and past kings of the dynasty
- Increase punishment to a minimum of 5, and a maximum 25 years in prison; increase to range from 500,000 to 1,000,000
- Cases to be tried expeditiously
- Defendant must prove innocent