Influencer Given Suspended Sentence in Royal Insult Case
The Thai Criminal Court has handed down a suspended prison sentence to popular social media influencer Aniwat Prathumthin, better known by her online moniker “Nara Crepe Katoey.” The 26-year-old was convicted on charges of royal defamation and violations of the Computer Crime Act, stemming from online comments she made in 2020.
Initially, the court imposed a three-year sentence, but this was reduced to 18 months after Nara confessed to the charges. Showing leniency, the judges decided to suspend the sentence for two years, citing her cooperation, remorse, and apparent willingness to change her behavior.
As part of the conditions, Nara must undergo probation for one year, report to probation officers every quarter, and complete 24 hours of community service. The service is specifically scheduled to coincide with important royal anniversaries, including the birthday and death anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX). She has also been prohibited from committing any similar offences during her probation.
The case revolves around a Facebook post that included a screenshot of a money transfer of 555,555 baht from a friend, accompanied by comments that the court ruled undermined the monarchy. The court stressed the importance of the royal institution as a moral guide in Thai society, saying Nara’s actions had violated these principles.
This is not Nara’s first encounter with royal defamation allegations. In 2022, she was among three defendants charged after appearing in a TikTok video produced for a Lazada shopping promotion. The ad was widely criticised for allegedly mocking a member of the Royal Family, sparking a boycott of Lazada by several groups, including the Royal Thai Army. Lazada later apologised for the incident.
Ultimately, the court acquitted Nara and another defendant in that case, clarifying that the alleged target, Princess Chulabhorn, is not protected under Section 112 of the Criminal Code. A third co-defendant fled the country and is reportedly seeking asylum abroad.
Following Wednesday’s ruling, Nara took to Facebook to express gratitude for the suspended sentence, describing it as a second chance. She shared that she had learned an important lesson about ignoring negativity, recalling advice she once received from fellow influencer Mix Chaloemsri. Nara also apologised for her past mistakes and thanked her supporters for standing by her throughout the ordeal.
The suspended sentence ensures that Nara remains free but under close watch, highlighting the Thai judiciary’s continued strict interpretation of royal defamation laws, while also demonstrating a measure of leniency for defendants who show remorse.
