DIGITAL VOICES, LEGAL SILENCES: EXAMINING LGBTQ+ ONLINE POLITICAL EXPRESSION UNDER THE THAI CONSTITUTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/acsr.2025.11Keywords:
LGBTQ+ Rights, Online Political Expression, Thai Constitution, Computer-Related Crime Act, Non-DiscriminationAbstract
This study critically examines the online political expression rights and freedoms of gender-diverse individuals (LGBTQ+) within the framework of the Thai Constitution and related legal statutes. While the 2017 Constitution unequivocally guarantees freedom of expression and prohibits sex-based discrimination, the article highlights a significant tension: subordinate laws, particularly the Computer-Related Crime Act 2007, contain ambiguous provisions on "public order" and "good morals" that are broadly interpreted to restrict LGBTQ+ voices. Through documentary qualitative research, the study analyzes Thai and international legal texts, court rulings, and academic literature to compare Thailand's situation with international human rights standards and foreign democratic systems. Findings reveal that despite constitutional protections, LGBTQ+ individuals encounter substantial legal and structural barriers to their online political participation, often leading to censorship and self-censorship. These restrictions undermine the full realization of constitutional rights and equality. The study concludes by proposing concrete recommendations, including amending vague legal provisions, explicitly safeguarding constructive LGBTQ+ online expression, and promoting inclusive legal research and civil society engagement, to foster a truly democratic and equitable digital environment in Thailand.
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