Activist Ekachai sentenced to 21 years for blocking Queen’s motorcade

The Appeals Court overturned the Criminal Court’s acquittal of pro-democracy activist Ekachai Hongkangwan today, by sentencing him to 21 years in prison on charges of attempting to endanger the liberty of Her Majesty the Queen.

Four co-defendants, namely Kuanoon Paothong, Suranart Paenprasert, Chanathip Chaichayangkoon and Panuphat Paikoh, were each sentenced to 16 years in prison on similar charges.

The case dates back an anti-government protest by the Ratsadon political group in 2020 at the Victory Monument, demanding the resignation of then prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the writing of a new Constitution.

The protesters marched from the Victory Monument to Government House. As the protesters arrived at Chamai Maruchet Bridge at about 6pm, a Royal motorcade, carrying Her Majesty the Queen, was heading towards Ratchawararam Temple, to perform a Kathin religious ceremony, to present saffron robes to monks.

The lead car of the Royal motorcade asked the protesters to make way, but some protesters, including Ekachai and the four co-defendants, brought it to a temporary stop. Some were heard shouting improper remarks at the motorcade.