Activist convicted of ‘insulting’ queen with dress freed pending appeal

An appeals court this morning granted temporary release to a woman convicted of “insulting” the queen by wearing a traditional dress to a protest.

At around 11am today, the Court of Appeal approved the release of Jatuporn “New” Saeoueng on a THB300,000 bond while she appeals her conviction. The conditions of her release include remaining in the country and refraining from any activity which might be deemed to “insult” the monarchy.

The 23-year-old activist was sentenced Monday to two years in prison over a 2020 protest where she wore traditional pink attire that was deemed to mock the royal family. 

She was convicted of violating the Public Assembly Act and insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison per offense. 

Jatuporn was expected to be released from the Central Women’s Correctional Institution today, according to…