Video of activist altercation sparks debate online

An altercation between anti-monarchy activists and court officers has sparked debate about who was responsible, amid conflicting reports from the two parties.

The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon at the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court after a verdict was given to activist Folk Saharat, who was sentenced to two years in prison for lèse-majesté charges under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code on Nov. 21, 2020. 

When officers were escorting him out of the courtroom, members of the anti-monarchy group Thalu Wang Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom and Thanlapop “Yok” Phanachai attempted to engage in conversation with the defendant, which was considered a violation of the court’s regulations.

Police and court officers intervened and tried to stop them, leading to a heated argument. 

Following an altercation, information about the incident,…