Limits on public speech

Two laws shape what can be said in public. Section 112 of the Criminal Code, หมิ่นพระบรมเดชานุภาพ (lèse-majesté), protects the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent and the Regent. It carries three to fifteen years in prison per count, anyone may file a complaint, and it applies to foreigners, private messages and shared posts. The Computer Crime Act adds penalties for posting content judged false or harmful. Whether these laws should change is itself a political question. The practical rule for residents: don't comment on the monarchy at all, online or off; talk about policies rather than individuals; don't forward unverified political content; and stay away from rallies, as foreigners who join can face visa problems or deportation.