Thailand - August 2026

On 24 August, Thailand's 'Promoting a Peaceful Society Act’ entered into force after being published in the Royal Gazette. Intended to promote national reconciliation, the law grants amnesty for eligible offences connected to political demonstrations and expressions committed between 1 January 2005 and 15 July 2025. These include sedition, rebellion, cybercrime offenses and breaches of emergency regulations. The law provides for the release of eligible prisoners, the dismissal of pending cases, the termination of investigations and prosecutions, and the removal of criminal records. Parliament estimated that around 6,000 people could benefit from the measure. However, offences involving corruption, serious violence and lèse-majesté under Section 112 are excluded. Rights advocates welcomed relief for many politically prosecuted individuals but heavily criticized the exclusion of Section 112 offences, which leaves many pro-democracy activists ineligible. 

Sources: The Bangkok Post, The Associated Press, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights