Court Dismisses Lese-Majeste Charges Against Tawan Group
The Bangkok Southern Criminal Court dismissed lese-majeste charges against the Tawan group but convicted seven of eight defendants of obstructing official duties, imposing fines and a four-month prison sentence for the most serious case.
The Bangkok Southern Criminal Court on July 6, 2026 delivered its verdict in case number Ø765/2565 involving the Prosecutor's Office against Tawan Taturanont (defendant 1) and seven associates. The prosecution had charged all eight defendants with violations under Articles 112-116 of the Criminal Code and for jointly disobeying an official's lawful order, which all defendants denied. During proceedings, defendant 3, Netiporn, died, and her case was dismissed as criminal prosecution rights terminated upon death.
The court found defendants 1, 2, and 4-8 guilty under Criminal Code Section 368, and defendant 6 also guilty under Section 138. Regarding defendant 6's multiple offenses, the court consolidated the sentences. For failing to comply with the official's lawful order, each defendant was fined 5,000 baht. For obstructing an official's duties, defendant 6 received a three-month prison sentence, with an additional one-third enhancement under Section 92, resulting in a four-month sentence plus a 5,000 baht fine. Failure to pay the fine would result in additional penalties under Sections 29-30 of the Criminal Code. Other claims were dismissed, and confiscated signage was ordered returned to its owner.
