Letter to Emmanuel Macron, the President of France

While honoring the 170th anniversary of French-Thai diplomatic relations and thanking France for granting asylum to political dissidents, the letter highlights the severe deterioration of freedom of expression caused by Thailand's lèse-majesté law (Article 112). The exiles respectfully urge the French Republic to raise human rights concerns during bilateral dialogues, advocating for the review of Article 112 prosecutions and the release of political prisoners.

Context:

This letter from Jaran Ditapichai was submitted to the President of the French Republic on behalf of Thai political exiles residing in France on the occasion of the official visit of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand to France from June 28 to July 3, 2026.

8 June 2026
Élysée Palace
55 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris

Subject: Situation of political prisoners in Thailand and enforcement of Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code

Mr. President of the Republic,

We, political refugees from Thailand residing in France, wish to respectfully draw your attention on the occasion of the visit of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn to France from 28 June to 3 July 2026.

First of all, we would like to salute the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Thailand. For many years, the French Republic has embodied the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We are particularly grateful to France for having offered protection and asylum to several Thai nationals forced to leave their country because of their political opinions.

On this occasion, we would also like to bring to your attention the concerning situation regarding the enforcement of Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, commonly known as the lèse-majesté law. This provision mandates prison sentences ranging from three to fifteen years per charge for any offense, defamation, or threat against the king, the queen, or the heir to the throne.

According to various human rights organizations and independent observers, several hundred people have faced prosecution under this provision in recent years. Some are currently detained, while others have been forced to leave Thailand and seek international protection in various countries, including France.

We are deeply concerned by the consequences of this legislation on freedom of expression, public debate, and democratic participation in Thailand. We believe that a democratic society must allow for peaceful discussion on matters of public interest, including those relating to state institutions, in accordance with the fundamental rights guaranteed by international conventions.

In the context of strengthening relations between France and Thailand, we hope that issues relating to human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the situation of political prisoners can also be raised within the framework of dialogue between the two states.

We would be particularly grateful if you would support any initiative aimed at encouraging the protection of freedom of expression, reviewing prosecutions initiated under Article 112, and adopting humanitarian measures in favor of individuals detained for political reasons.

Confident in the French Republic's attachment to the universal values of human rights and democracy, we thank you for the attention you will kindly grant to this initiative.

Please accept, Mr. President of the Republic, the expression of our highest consideration.

Mr. Jaran Ditapichai
Representative of the Political Asylum Group in France