Don’t show disrespect to the Thai royal family
Thailand has strict laws on this which also cover social media.
Thailand has very strict laws regarding the monarchy, specifically when it comes to showing respect. This is embodied in the country's lese majeste law, which translates to "injured majesty." The law is outlined in Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code and states that anyone who "defames, insults, or threatens the king, the queen, the heir-apparent, or the regent" will be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
Because of this law, both Thai citizens and visitors to Thailand are expected to treat anything related to the royal family with the utmost respect. This includes the royal family's images, like those found on money, or symbols associated with them. It's important to note that this law is not just theoretical; it has been actively enforced with numerous prosecutions, often leading to severe sentences, and it has been the subject of international scrutiny and criticism with regards to freedom of expression in Thailand.
For travelers and expatriates in Thailand, it is crucial to be mindful of this law, which extends to actions, spoken words, and written statements, including online and social media posts. Disrespectful comments or jokes about the royal family can lead to serious legal consequences. The same caution must be applied to attending and discussing public events related to the royal family, as well as creating or sharing content that could be perceived as disrespectful.
Because the monarchy is deeply revered in Thai culture, showing respect to the royal family is also a matter of social etiquette and is deeply ingrained in Thailand’s national identity. The king of Thailand is especially considered the moral leader and a figure of national unity.
It should be noted that criticism of the lese majeste law itself falls under criticism of the institution and thus could also be deemed a violation of the law. As of my last update in early 2023, the lese majeste law remains a sensitive and heavily policed topic in Thailand.
Because of this law, both Thai citizens and visitors to Thailand are expected to treat anything related to the royal family with the utmost respect. This includes the royal family's images, like those found on money, or symbols associated with them. It's important to note that this law is not just theoretical; it has been actively enforced with numerous prosecutions, often leading to severe sentences, and it has been the subject of international scrutiny and criticism with regards to freedom of expression in Thailand.
For travelers and expatriates in Thailand, it is crucial to be mindful of this law, which extends to actions, spoken words, and written statements, including online and social media posts. Disrespectful comments or jokes about the royal family can lead to serious legal consequences. The same caution must be applied to attending and discussing public events related to the royal family, as well as creating or sharing content that could be perceived as disrespectful.
Because the monarchy is deeply revered in Thai culture, showing respect to the royal family is also a matter of social etiquette and is deeply ingrained in Thailand’s national identity. The king of Thailand is especially considered the moral leader and a figure of national unity.
It should be noted that criticism of the lese majeste law itself falls under criticism of the institution and thus could also be deemed a violation of the law. As of my last update in early 2023, the lese majeste law remains a sensitive and heavily policed topic in Thailand.