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Many of us have observed the rise in vicious cases under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code and the 2007 Computer Crimes Act over the last few years. The charges and prosecution of Darunee Charnchoengsilpakul. The case against Chiranuch Premchaiporn. The list of pending cases under both laws grows.
Most recently, Dr. Somsak Jeamteersakul, Associate Professor of History at Thammasat University, has faced threats for dissenting thought and speech. On Sunday, 24 April 2011, Somsak issued a press statement detailing the threats and explaining the logic behind his work (Watch video footage of his statement here). Simultaneously, the Santi Prachatham Network of scholars in Thailand issued a statement decrying the threats and the broader context of constriction of freedom of expression.
Scholars residing in Australia, the U.S., the UK, Hong Kong, Denmark, Singapore, South Korea and Canada also signed a letter calling for an end to the constriction of freedom of expression in Thailand. The threats against Dr. Somsak represent one more instance of ominous intimidation of those who criticize those with power in Thailand. In the current political climate it seems as though both legal cases and extralegal intimidation and threats will continue against those who dissent.
The statement is posted in full below. If you would like to sign on to the open letter, please send your details [name, title, institution (if relevant)] to [email protected].
Open Letter Calling for Intellectual Freedom in Thailand
As scholars of Thai Studies located outside the country, we have watched with deepening apprehension as the space for the free exchange of ideas has dwindled in Thailand since the 19 September 2006 coup. This constriction of thought and speech has intensified since the violence of April-May 2010, with the notable examples of the detention of Dr. Suthachai Yimprasert, assistant professor of history at Chulalongkorn University, by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation in April 2010, the charges filed against Mr. Giles Ji Ungpakorn for the alleged crime of lesè majesté, and the ongoing case against Ms. Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Prachatai webmaster.
In the last weeks, Dr. Somsak Jeamteerasakul, associate professor of history at Thammasat University, has joined those who have faced threats for criticizing the state, the monarchy, and the relation between them. We wish to express our grave concern over the recent harassment and threats made against Dr. Somsak Jeamteerasakul.
The intimidation of Dr. Suthachai, Mr. Giles, Ms. Chiranuch, and now Dr. Somsak, as well as countless ordinary citizens, is symptomatic of a broader set of practices which gravely threaten the exercise of rights and the future of democracy in Thailand. What is now clear is that dissent is not going to disappear from the Thai polity, no matter what repressive measures the state chooses to take. Those in power must realize that discussion and criticism – not blind loyalty – are necessary in a functioning democracy.
We stand with our colleagues in the Santi Prachatham Network and call for an immediate end to the threats against Dr. Somsak and an end to broader practices of constriction of speech.
Signed,
Dr. Michael K. Connors, La Trobe University
Dr. Nancy Eberhardt, Knox College
Dr. Nicholas Farrelly, Australian National University
Dr. Arnika Fuhrmann, Hong Kong University
Dr. Jim Glassman, University of British Columbia
Dr. Tyrell Haberkorn, Australian National University
Dr. Kevin Hewison, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Dr. CJ Hinke, Freedom Against Censorship Thailand
Dr. Soren Ivarsson, University of Copenhagen
Dr. Andrew Johnson, Sogang University
Dr. Tomas Larsson, Cambridge University
Dr. Charles Keyes, University of Washington
Mr. Samson Lim, Cornell University
Dr. Tamara Loos, Cornell University
Dr. Mary Beth Mills, Colby College
Ms. Nattakant Akarapongpisak, Australian National University
Dr. Craig Reynolds, Australian National University
Mr. Andrew Spooner, Nottingham Trent University
Dr. David Streckfuss, Council on International Educational Exchange
Mr. Sing Suwannakij, University of Copenhagen
Dr. Michelle Tan, Independent Scholar, USA
Mr. Benjamin Tausig, New York University
Mr. Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Independent Scholar, UK
Dr. Andrew Walker, Australian National University
Dr. Thongchai Winichakul, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mr. Kritdikorn Wongswangpanich, Aberystwyth University
Dr. Adadol Ingawanij, University of Westminster
Dr. Rachel V. Harrison, University of London
Dr. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Institute for Southeast Asian Studies
Dr. Pongphisoot Busbarat, Australian National University
Mr.Watcharabon Buddharksa, University of York
Dr. Robert Albritton, University of Mississippi
Mr.Poowin Bunyavejchewin, University of Hull
Dr. Jane Ferguson, Australian National University
Dr. Napisa Waitoolkiat, Payap Universityр╕Ир╕Фр╕лр╕бр╕▓р╕вр╣Ар╕Ыр╕┤р╕Фр╕Ьр╕Щр╕╢р╕Б
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р╕Хр╕ер╕нр╕Фр╕Кр╣Ир╕зр╕Зр╕кр╕▒р╕Ыр╕Фр╕▓р╕лр╣Мр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ьр╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕бр╕▓ р╕Фр╕г.р╕кр╕бр╕ир╕▒р╕Бр╕Фр╕┤р╣М р╣Ар╕Ир╕╡р╕вр╕бр╕Шр╕╡р╕гр╕кр╕Бр╕╕р╕е р╕нр╕▓р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕вр╣Мр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Ир╕│р╕ар╕▓р╕Др╕зр╕┤р╕Кр╕▓р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕зр╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣М р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕зр╕┤р╕Чр╕вр╕▓р╕ер╕▒р╕вр╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕бр╕ир╕▓р╕кр╕Хр╕гр╣Мр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕нр╕╡р╕Бр╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕лр╕Щр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Цр╕╣р╕Бр╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕▓р╕б р╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╣Ар╕Щр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Зр╕бр╕▓р╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕зр╕┤р╕Юр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╣Мр╕зр╕┤р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╕гр╕▒р╕Р р╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╕Юр╕гр╕░р╕бр╕лр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╕▒р╕Хр╕гр╕┤р╕вр╣Мр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕кр╕▒р╕бр╕Юр╕▒р╕Щр╕Шр╣Мр╕гр╕░р╕лр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕кр╕нр╕Зр╕кр╕Цр╕▓р╕Ър╕▒р╕Щр╕Щр╕╡р╣Й р╣Ар╕гр╕▓р╕Ир╕╢р╕Зр╕Хр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ир╕░р╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕нр╕нр╕Бр╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕лр╣Ир╕зр╕Зр╣Гр╕вр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕кр╕╕р╕Фр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Бр╕гр╕Ур╕╡р╕Щр╕╡р╣Й
р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕▓р╕бр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Фр╕г.р╕кр╕╕р╕Шр╕▓р╕Кр╕▒р╕в р╕Щр╕▓р╕вр╣Гр╕И р╕Щр╕▓р╕Зр╕кр╕▓р╕зр╕Ир╕┤р╕гр╕Щр╕╕р╕Кр╣Бр╕ер╕░ р╕Фр╕г.р╕кр╕бр╕ир╕▒р╕Бр╕Фр╕┤р╣М р╣Ар╕Кр╣Ир╕Щр╣Ар╕Фр╕╡р╕вр╕зр╕Бр╕▒р╕Ър╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╣Ар╕Бр╕┤р╕Фр╕Вр╕╢р╣Йр╕Щр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕Щр╕Кр╕▓р╕зр╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕нр╕╡р╕Бр╕Ир╕│р╕Щр╕зр╕Щр╕Щр╕▒р╕Ър╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕Цр╣Йр╕зр╕Щр╕Щр╕▒р╣Йр╕Щ р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕ер╕▒р╕Бр╕йр╕Ур╕░р╕Ър╣Ир╕Зр╕Кр╕╡р╣Йр╕Цр╕╢р╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ыр╕Пр╕┤р╕Ър╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Бр╕зр╣Йр╕▓р╕Зр╕Вр╕зр╕▓р╕Зр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕лр╕ер╕▓р╕вр╕гр╕╣р╕Ыр╣Бр╕Ър╕Ър╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕гр╕▒р╕Р р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Чр╕│р╣Ар╕лр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕▓р╕бр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕кр╕┤р╕Чр╕Шр╕┤р╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕нр╕Щр╕▓р╕Др╕Хр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Др╕Хр╕вр╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕гр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕гр╕З р╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Кр╕▒р╕Фр╣Ар╕Ир╕Щр╣Гр╕Щр╕Вр╕Ур╕░р╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Др╕╖р╕н р╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Вр╕▒р╕Фр╣Бр╕вр╣Йр╕Зр╕Ир╕░р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕бр╕╡р╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕лр╕бр╕Фр╣Др╕Ыр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕Ър╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ыр╕Бр╕Др╕гр╕нр╕Зр╕Вр╕нр╕Зр╣Др╕Чр╕в р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕гр╕▒р╕Рр╣Др╕Чр╕вр╕Ир╕░р╣Ар╕ер╕╖р╕нр╕Бр╣Гр╕Кр╣Йр╕бр╕▓р╕Хр╕гр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ир╕▒р╕Фр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕гр╕╕р╕Щр╣Бр╕гр╕Зр╣Ар╕Юр╕╡р╕вр╕Зр╣Гр╕Ф р╕Ьр╕╣р╣Йр╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕нр╕вр╕╣р╣Ир╣Гр╕Щр╕нр╕│р╕Щр╕▓р╕Ир╕Др╕зр╕гр╕Ир╕░р╕Хр╕гр╕░р╕лр╕Щр╕▒р╕Бр╣Др╕Фр╣Йр╣Бр╕ер╣Йр╕зр╕зр╣Ир╕▓р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕нр╕ар╕┤р╕Ыр╕гр╕▓р╕вр╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕зр╕┤р╕Юр╕▓р╕Бр╕йр╣Мр╕зр╕┤р╕Ир╕▓р╕гр╕Ур╣Мр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕кр╕┤р╣Ир╕Зр╕Чр╕╡р╣Ир╕Ир╕│р╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Бр╕гр╕░р╕Ър╕зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Чр╕▓р╕Зр╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕┤р╕Ыр╣Др╕Хр╕в р╣Др╕бр╣Ир╣Гр╕Кр╣Ир╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Ир╕Зр╕гр╕▒р╕Бр╕ар╕▒р╕Бр╕Фр╕╡р╕нр╕вр╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╣Др╕бр╣Ир╕ер╕╖р╕бр╕лр╕╣р╕ер╕╖р╕бр╕Хр╕▓
р╣Ар╕гр╕▓р╕Лр╕╢р╣Ир╕Зр╕бр╕╡р╕Кр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Фр╣Йр╕▓р╕Щр╕ер╣Ир╕▓р╕Зр╕Щр╕╡р╣Йр╕Вр╕нр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Ир╕╕р╕Фр╕вр╕╖р╕Щр╣Ар╕Др╕╡р╕вр╕Зр╕Вр╣Йр╕▓р╕Зр╣Ар╕Юр╕╖р╣Ир╕нр╕Щр╕гр╣Ир╕зр╕бр╕зр╕┤р╕Кр╕▓р╕Кр╕╡р╕Юр╕Ир╕▓р╕Бр╣Ар╕Др╕гр╕╖р╕нр╕Вр╣Ир╕▓р╕вр╕кр╕▒р╕Щр╕Хр╕┤р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕б р╕Вр╕нр╣Ар╕гр╕╡р╕вр╕Бр╕гр╣Йр╕нр╕Зр╣Гр╕лр╣Йр╕лр╕вр╕╕р╕Фр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Вр╣Ир╕бр╕Вр╕╣р╣Ир╕Др╕╕р╕Бр╕Др╕▓р╕бр╕Хр╣Ир╕нр╕Фр╕г.р╕кр╕бр╕ир╕▒р╕Бр╕Фр╕┤р╣М р╣Бр╕ер╕░р╕лр╕вр╕╕р╕Фр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕Ыр╕Пр╕┤р╕Ър╕▒р╕Хр╕┤р╣Гр╕Фр╣Жр╕нр╕▒р╕Щр╣Ар╕Ыр╣Зр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╕ер╕┤р╕Фр╕гр╕нр╕Щр╣Ар╕кр╕гр╕╡р╕ар╕▓р╕Юр╣Гр╕Щр╕Бр╕▓р╕гр╣Бр╕кр╕Фр╕Зр╕Др╕зр╕▓р╕бр╕Др╕┤р╕Фр╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щ
Dr. Michael K. Connors, La Trobe University
Dr. Nancy Eberhardt, Knox College
Dr. Nicholas Farrelly, Australian National University
Dr. Arnika Fuhrmann, Hong Kong University
Dr. Jim Glassman, University of British Columbia
Dr. Tyrell Haberkorn, Australian National University
Dr. Kevin Hewison, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Dr. CJ Hinke, Freedom Against Censorship Thailand
Dr. Soren Ivarsson, University of Copenhagen
Dr. Andrew Johnson, Sogang University
Dr. Tomas Larsson, Cambridge University
Dr. Charles Keyes, University of Washington
Mr. Samson Lim, Cornell University
Dr. Tamara Loos, Cornell University
Dr. Mary Beth Mills, Colby College
Ms. Nattakant Akarapongpisak, Australian National University
Dr. Craig Reynolds, Australian National University
Mr. Andrew Spooner, Nottingham Trent University
Dr. David Streckfuss, Council on International Educational Exchange
Mr. Sing Suwannakij, University of Copenhagen
Dr. Michelle Tan, Independent Scholar, USA
Mr. Benjamin Tausig, New York University
Mr. Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Independent Scholar, UK
Dr. Andrew Walker, Australian National University
Dr. Thongchai Winichakul, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Mr. Kritdikorn Wongswangpanich, Aberystwyth University
Dr. Adadol Ingawanij, University of Westminster
Dr. Rachel V. Harrison, University of London
Dr. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Institute for Southeast Asian Studies
Dr. Pongphisoot Busbarat, Australian National University
Mr.Watcharabon Buddharksa, University of York
Dr. Robert Albritton, University of Mississippi
Mr.Poowin Bunyavejchewin, University of Hull
Dr. Jane Ferguson, Australian National University
Dr. Napisa Waitoolkiat, Payap University
First of all, I would like to congratulate Prof. Somsak to his unintimidated and refreshing approach.
Other people would have grown older, Prof. Somsak appears so much younger now.
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Somsak Jeamteersakul,
Time to make a stand. You have status as a Thai scholar and you now must spend this capital. It’s time to speak up and put forth a new vision for Thailand that’s neither red or yellow, just simply the way forward in the modern world. You need to write now sit down and hash out a speech encompassing all the Thailand is and could be bringing together the themes of change and rebirth so essential to the development of Thailand. You need to discuss that now is the time to finish what Pridi Panomyong couldn’t: a real Constitutional Democracy. You need to speak about how Thailand doesn’t belong to one man, but the people, and that the status of the monarchy is in their hands alone, not the King’s, nor his family, nor a small clique of generals. You need to speak about the arrogance of the throne implicating themselves in all aspects of the lives of Thais for the past 60 years and then demanding that Thai citizens have no right to criticize them.
Thailand is on the precipice and you can be a prophet.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Good. The LM-ers are inexorably crossing the line of reasonable strategic restraint and picking on harder targets, to their peril. Somsak will now produce more and more writing and more and more academics will be pushed to either back him on principle or reveal their own cowardice on the issue of academic freedom.
Da Torpedo was, bless her heart, not a marketable poster child. Nor was Giles the Republican. Somsak, despite his Communist past, will serve the cause much better.
Post and Nation are both following the story, and Thai Rath might well follow suit since they’ve decided to market to the red side of things. This story won’t be easily suppressed.
The walls are cracking.
(Somsak is coloring his hair, surely?)
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Pratchathai.com’s adresses doesn’t work in BKK using True.
Blocked:
An access to such information has been temporarily ceased
due to the order of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES)
under the authority of emergency decree B.E 2548 (A.D. 2005).
So I suspect the YouTube clip might get blocked as well soon enough
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Maratjp #2 Instead of pushing aajaan Somsak forward as your prophet or just as likely your martyr, I propose you step up and be the hero. This guy did it in Libya and live to tell the tale.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9TvMXRa0Nw&feature=player_embedded
Can you consider that the good aajaan may have other battle plans or even maybe just a family he must consider. You may mean well but that post comes across like the fevered imaginings of an armchair warrior.
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Laoguy,
“…that post comes across like the fevered imaginings of an armchair warrior.”
Ha! I laughed when I read it.
I agree that people should themselves stand up instead of pushing others out into the open, but this is not the case with me in my opinion. I am not Thai plain and simple so I don’t feel it’s my place to speak out and judge Thais and Thailand in a forum other than one like this, read, I am assuming, mostly by Westerners. Somsak is Thai and has a certain credibility as a scholar that I simply don’t have and this is why I think what he has to say carries so much weight.
I also don’t think my comments were mere “fevered imaginings” as they express a sincere opinion in a public space, and quite controversial.
Having said this I must admit that I am weighing heavily expressing my opinion, perhaps a bit more measured, with my real name in an op ed. I’d guess I’d have to risk never be able to come back here again…
I’ll think about what you said…
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For Ajarn Somsak and others who have been fighting for democracy :
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
Forever Young by Bob Dylan
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Maratjp #6 Perhaps many small measured responses are better than one big outburst? In many cases its the drip drip drip which builds the pressure. As you can see the military and their partners are under extreme pressure at the moment.The end of their gravy train is in clear view.Their best scenario is to postpone the future.If they lose the as yet uncalled elections or win them under dubious circumstances it will only intensify the toxicity of their reputation.They are a lame one trick pony which is performing the only way it knows how.The blathering buffoonery of recent military actions shows the only route available to them.
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whilst I appreciate the sentiments of those who have signed on for this campaign, is there any evidence that such efforts hold any weight with the Thai military / security forces? Is it the most strategic way of supporting/protecting Ajarn Somsak and others?
My sense is that it might be better for NM to begin an online campaign pressuring Amnesty and Human Rights Watch to actually come out and do their (publically funded) jobs of protecting people in Somsak’s position. If these organisations actually mobilised their international support on issues like this one, it may have an impact on the Thai powers. Doesn’t NM have contacts with AI? How could we, NM readers, support NM in leading AI/HRW in such a campaign?
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I personally think the show of “solidarity” (force) and weaponry in BKK last week was an attempt to discourage any kind of internet/mobile phone uprising that ISOC have been watching on the evening TV this year .
Personally I found the sight of all those imported mortars, bazookas and heavy machine guns standing proudly to attention to protect the institution both salutary and profoundly moving. I wonder if the grunts are similarly motivated or equally inanimate?
But who or what are they protecting the institution from and why and by whom should it be considered necessary?
Can it be discussed rationally? Sadly I suspect not.
History shows that revolutions succeed when a significant proportion of the military swaps sides. That I think is the key question. Ultimately who will those weapons on display support?
-and if the shooting starts where will the U.S. government eventually align itself?
I really don’t think any socialist movement would seriously propose a republic. The worst might be a curtailment on perceived extra-constitutional powers of the monarchy/privy council ( a return to 1932 if considered necessary) and reform of the military and judicial system. (at the same time avoiding the development of a single political party dictatorship).
Unfortunately the lack of negotiation and intransigence can only lead to bloodshed and dictatorship of one side or the other.
It seems to me that the military consider both the Thai people and the Cambodian people to be identical enemies bent on destruction of Thai sovereignty.
Or at least they are comfortable with that view.
As Col Kurtz said in “Apocalypse Now”:
” You have to have men who are moral … and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling … without passion … without judgment … without judgment. Because it’s judgment that defeats us.”
Their greatest fear is judgement: judgement from an uncorrupted judiciary, open judgement by the Thai people and judgement by the world community. This is why military regimes have their own tribunals and affect constitutional amendments to retrospectively cover their actions. It also explains their current tightrope walk.
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No Thai-based professor signed that letter?
Preposterous!
A definite disgrace.
And yes, Somsak’s statements and method is quite refreshing. Though very scary for him, his family, his friends, and all those who may love and personally care for him.
While I don’t agree with all what he says, I do believe always in his right to speak without fear.
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@ # 11, There was a separate letter for Thailand-based scholars, circulated by the р╕кр╕▒р╕Щр╕Хр╕┤р╕Ыр╕гр╕░р╕Кр╕▓р╕Шр╕гр╕гр╕б network [referred to and hyperlinked in the original post]. The point in circulating a letter specifically for scholars outside of Thailand was to signal international solidarity.
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I’m not sure that the Thai military care too much for ‘international solidarity’/opinion (re #12). Didn’t seem to stop them shooting Seh Daeng in front of international journalists. Nor did they seem too concerned about bowing to international superpower (USA and Russia) demands in the recent Victor Bout case, or of taking international concerns into view in boasting of refouling Hmong refugees to Laos.
Better I think to pressure AI and HRW to act with credibility and decency (not to mention in accordance with their mandate) – the Thai military might just feel embarrassed to expel these organisations from their country given that a Thai is currently heading up UNHRC…
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The fact is New Mandala does not believe in free speach either. It refuses to publish what I have sent them praising His Majesty The King for leniency and forgiveness in LM cases. New Mandala continues to post the Suwicha picture – when it is now MONTHS since Suwicha was pardoned.
Shame on you Andrew Walker and Nicholas Farrelly – do not expect the wider Thai or Lao pu noi to hve any widespread sympathy with your elitist campaigns at all. They won’t be fooled by elitist, careerists such as yourselves. You’ve self-isolated.
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“leniency and forgiveness in LM cases”
You have got to be kidding!
(a prerequisite of grovelling does NOT constitute forgiveness)
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Chris Beale,
Could it be that what you sent to NM was of poor quality? That what you sent was not original, did not contribute anything to discussion – and was perhaps, just a bit too seriously derranged to be taken seriously? Maybe if you posted what you wrote as a comment, others could derive humor from it… as usual.
With regards to Suwicha – it remains that he was needlessly charged, and so why shouldn’t his picture continue to be posted? This site is not a ‘news’ site, per se, it is a blog about mainland Southeast Asia. History, anthropology, politics, and yes – some discussion of recent events. It is not the Bangkok Post, or any other similar site claiming to be a news organisation.
You have now started complaining about your own treatment in a post about the situation of Somsak Jeamteerasakul. This is not about you. Grow up.
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“leniency and forgiveness in LM cases”
I thought you claim to believe that the current LM is outrageous.
If that’s the case then forgiveness and leniency does not apply here.
You can’t forgive someone who has done nothing wrong. Suwicha, having been humilated and jailed for nothing, deserves an apology at the very least, not forgiveness.
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All of the Farangs and the anti-monachy folks on this page, take a day off, will you? Enjoy the rarely good news of the Royal wedding in the UK. Life is short. Don’t let negative attitudes against anyone eat you up. Aren’t you feel tired sometimes that things don’t go your ways? Let Aj.Somsak fight for himself on his own word choice as he knows the best for what he was saying. We need to save our energy to fight the real problems of our world like food scarcity, sickening environment, fatal deceases, etc.
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Ann Brady (18) could not have done better if she had actually meant to demonstrate the evil of monarchism. If you think that these days, it is no more than a harmless outlet for snobs, think again. The chief enemy of the rule of law is the rule of men.
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Ann Brady – 18
Since I am not farang here and dont really care about the royal wedding so I guess I will just keep continue, you know, that’s what I like to do and it it not one bit tiresome.
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Last time I checked, the Royal wedding is the matter of the British Monarchy…what does the Royal wedding of the British Monarchy have anything to do with Thai Monarchy?
But let me go off-topic a little to make some comments about the British Monarchy. Personally I have a considerable admiration and respect to the British Monarchy…because they do not interfere with politics-a quality which the Thai Monarchy should learn to adopt for their own survival in the future when the propaganda machine no longer works…
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Personally, I thought the royal wedding gave an example of how the Thai monarchy could be, and how ridiculous it is for certain powers in Thailand to make it a choice merely between the status quo and wanting “lom chao” – thus leading to the equally ridiculous persecution of eminent scholars and thinkers like Ajarn Somsak.
This thought may well have gone through the minds of increasing numbers of Thais too.
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Just for a slightly different take on the British royal wedding to provide a little balance.
http://www.newstatesman.com/society/2011/05/royal-sex-kate-public-monarchy
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Les Abbey,
Technically you are now culpable under Thailand’s lese majeste laws. Foreign heads of states and monarchies are included too.
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Tom Hoy – 24
Probably but I’m a fan of Will Self so bringing him to a wider audience is a good thing;-)
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Les: I can’t load the article. I think the British aristocracy has blocked the site.
Some of the interesting bits and pieces I noted in watching the generally gushing media coverage:
1) Apparently 45% of Britons said they weren’t going to watch the royal marriage.
2) A comedian on the BBC referred to Camilla as a horse, twice.
3) Commander of the Metropolitan Police refused to rule out preventing republican demonstrators from being heard and seen. Her explanation was that “most people” wanted to celebrate the event. It seems she wants to be a Dame.
4) Bangkok Post reported that Thais were head over heels for the royal wedding and then quoted only foreigners and one “Thai national” in support of this claim….
5) There was considerable agitation about the guest list including a bunch of human rights abusers. It seems that the royals do indeed stick together globally.
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Ralph Kramden – 26
Les: I can’t load the article. I think the British aristocracy has blocked the site.
Don’t give up on it Ralph. There doesn’t seem to be any block on it. Will Self is an interesting character. He was caught many years ago taking heroin in the toilet of Maggie Thatcher’s election campaign aircraft, if I remember the story correctly. He is very much in the mold of his friends Martin Amis and Christopher Hitchens, so doesn’t follow any party line. To be admired as a truly independent thinker, even when you disagree with a lot of what he says. Shame a few more journalists don’t have this asset.
Apparently 45% of Britons said they weren’t going to watch the royal marriage.
In my lifetime growth of republican, or indifference to the monarchy, feelings have grown considerably although still by no means a majority. The danger for any monarchy including the British one comes at the point of succession when public support can obviously swing wildly.
More strange than the British reaction though, is the Australian one, where the pro-republican viewpoint probably has the majority. Historically there are many reasons why this should be so with so many British and Irish people being sent there at the monarch’s pleasure, and yet no Australian politician seems to be able to bring this change about. I wonder what percentage of Australians were watching it on TV. Andrew, Nich, did you watch it?
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Les: I used to be annoyed we had a foreign head of state, and favoured the simple republican model where a pariamentary appointed GG became the head of state (but not the direct election model)
Now I reckon we’ve got quite a good set up – we get the stability of the constitutional monarchy system without the cost of the pomp & ceremony, and if they dared to interfere in our politics they’d be gone.
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Authorities intimidate Facebook followers of exiled monarchy critic
Thu, 08/12/2016
Authorities have summoned or visited at least six people across the country who follow the Facebook page of an exiled academic. Authorities informed them that following the academic could be considered lèse majesté.
http://prachatai.org/english/node/6765
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