Kritch’s remarks come at a time when lese majeste and computer crime charges have been brought against Patnaree Chankij, mother of the prominent student activist Sirawith Seritiwat, also known as “Ja New”.

The charges against Patnaree have raised public concerns about possible charges brought against the relatives of other anti-coup activists. Nevertheless, Kritch said he is not anxious about being arrested and stands firm that his behaviour was lawful.

He insists that he believes in the courts, adding that the judicial process would not punish the innocent.

Regarding his son’s case, the 63-year-old Kritch believes that Harit remains innocent as long as his case has not been adjudicated in court.

“It depends on the court and the legal process to determine whether my son is guilty,” he said. He added that if his son and Patnaree were both innocent but had been victims of slander, those responsible would pay for it.

Since his son’s arrest, Kritch says his life has been difficult because he relied on Harit to help pay his living expenses.

“I raised him and supported him until he graduated and then merely wished he could support me.”

Harit is one of eight activists who has been charged with sedition and violation of the Computer Crime Act because they allegedly administrated a Facebook page mocking Prime Minister PrayutChan-o-cha.

In addition to sedition and computer crime charges, Harit and fellow-activist Natthika Worathanyawit have also been charged with lese majeste after they allegedly insulted the monarchy via messages sent by the Facebook chat app.