<p>In a new surge of detentions, six people are in jail in connection with the royal defamation law &ndash; five of them denied bail to contest the charges outside prison. A human rights lawyer said the move illustrates the authorities&rsquo; obsession with smothering any public criticism of the monarchy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The online shopping app LAZADA has become the target of a boycott by the Thai authorities and netizens in protest against their online sales campaign that has been seen as mocking the disabled, with royalists also angry that it somehow defames the monarchy.</p>

<p>With the ongoing political division in Thailand, controversies and boycott campaigns surrounding Sitala and other right-wing celebrities will not go away any time soon.</p>

<p><span><span><span><span>The women, feminist, and LGBTQ+ groups in Thailand helped nonviolent resistance by contributing to a more inclusive movement, through adding gender issues, reinterpreting politics and creating a safe space for participants. They also equipped the campaign with creativity and resilience.&nbsp;</span></span></span></span></p>

<p>November has seen a crackdown on freedom of movement as the Thai authorities have reportedly requested the Department of Consular Affairs to revoke the passports of 13 Thai activists and hastily expelled a foreigner who made fun of the government and monarchy.</p>

<p>When protesters and members of the public again raised the issue of amending the lèse majesté law in November, political parties and affiliated think tanks responded in different ways.</p>

<p>The parliament will reopen debate on constitutional amendments on 22-24 June, a major event that will affect the Kingdom&rsquo;s political structure. After the issue was delayed in 2020 and withdrawn in 2021, political parties and civil society have another chance to address what they see as hindrances to democratization and political advantage.</p>

<p>With the next general election in 2023, Thai politicians from all sides are becoming more serious about constitutional amendments to advance their political interest.</p>

<p>The first three months of this year will be concluded soon, but Thai politics have not changed much. Crackdowns by the establishment are getting more violent.</p>

<p>The court&rsquo;s rejection of bail for 4 pro-democracy activists on 8 March is raising questions about procedural irregularities as 3 of them were taken from court before they were allowed the opportunity to complete bail requests, while another was sent to a prison other than the one designated by the court.</p>

<p>On 24 February, the Facebook page of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paritchiwarakofficial/posts/283661663121426">Parit &lsquo;Penguin&rsquo; Chiwarak</a> released another letter he has written from prison, where he is being held after being denied bail while he awaits trial for lèse majesté. This letter is addressed &lsquo;From the prison to the palace&rsquo; and speaks to the king directly.</p>