Not to be dismissive of someone else’s hard and productive work but that last part that shows cases for each year – do you have exact references? I am putting together a book and there is a large section that references lese majeste cases here in Thailand. The actual published hardcopy version will be shorter than an online addendum. Title: Thailand’s WMD.
Please provide what you can in terms of specifics, and many thanks in advance.
FGA
Personalities, more than policies, have always interested a lot more people the world over, especially where you don’t go hungry or feel their policies have had a negative impact on you personally. Jokes apart, a combination of disastrous policies plus unsavoury or bizarre personalities will provoke a torrent of abuse definitely personal, not sparing their mother, explicitly sexual, at least in private in Burma.
“I think it’s because he’s not really a Thai Thai. He has other ideas in his head. He does not say kreng jai. He does not think about merit and sin. He thinks about how he can be a powerful man. He wants to be the leader of everybody, the big boss of everybody. This kind of thinking to me reflects not Thai Buddhism, but Chinese imperial thinking. The imperial thinking of the Chinese emperor. The Chinese theory. If you read about this, and I’ve studied a lot about it, we see this thinking.”
Thaksin, a Thai Chinese, the wannabe Chinese emperor? Does he, the famous professor Stephen Young, really mean that, or has he gone mad?
Hla Oo and Moe Aung can correct me if I’m wrong, but there seems to be a subset of Burman (and Karen to a lesser extent) political discourse that is pretty sexually explicit. There are all sorts of jokes about Ne Win’s libido and speculation about the sexual orientation of the former head of MI provided all sorts of funny material.
Instead of discussing the issues, Giles Ji’s political opponent decided the best way to stop Giles Ji is to tear him down. When a virtuous person Giles Ji sees injustice in front of his eyes, his clear conscience dictates him to speak out. It is just plain and simple as that with no confusion.
Here’s the fact with no propaganda from Bangkok Pundit (Jan 18th, 2010).
1. Thailand’s violation:
“Thailand’s lese majeste law goes beyond the permissible restrictions on freedom of expression provided for under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party.
Many people charged under the lese majeste law, have also been charged under the 2007 Computer-related Crimes Act. This Act has led to a sharp increase in monitoring of the internet for lese majeste content: tens of thousands of websites have been blocked by the government in Thailand. This broad-ranging censorship of websites in itself constitutes a violation of the ICCPR.
Amnesty International is also concerned with the characterization of the lese majeste law by the Minister of Justice as a matter of national security, and the subsequent decision in June 2009 to hold Darunee Chanchoengsilapakul’s trial behind closed doors on that basis. National security is indeed one of the grounds set out in the ICCPR on which a state may impose limitations on freedom of expression, but it may do so only pursuant to a publicly-proclaimed state of emergency which threatens the life of the nation. This has not been done – and is not the case – in Thailand.”
2. Thailand required to do the following:
Amnesty International has requested Thailand “to amend the lese majeste law so that it complies with international law and standards.
Specifically, the government should abolish the law’s provision allowing any citizen to report another for alleged violation of the law. Pending this and all other necessary legislative changes, the government should suspend the use of the lese majeste law.
The government should also cease censorship of websites on the grounds of upholding the lese majeste law.”
3. Is the Thai monarchy a hindrance to modernization and the desire of the Thai people’s for democracy, freedom and liberty?
2006: New Cases Sent to Trial: 30 / Cases Adjudicated: 21
2007: New Cases Sent to Trial: 126 / Cases Adjudicated: 48
2008: New Cases Sent to Trial: 77 / Cases Adjudicated: 62
Tumbler – I’ve never disputed the fact Thailand is not a Western-style democracy : it very clearly is n’t.
Thai Buddhist notions of kingship are closer to Plato’s ideal of a philosopher-king, which Plato considered the best form of government. Plato thought democracy was only second-best.
StanG – thanks for reminding everyone of the Ranger’s earlier
thuggish behaviour towards PAD. At this point PAD had my sympathy – and they still do on some issues.
I’m not completely convinced by Nick’s argument – but it’s by far the best counter-argument so far. A big contrast to Ralph.
Ralph – it’s time to quit your festive season, get off the booze before posting, signpost your often interminably long-winded
gas-bagging, and stopping your silly tactic of putting words into my mouth when if you were half sober you could see that what you say I’ve said is not what I’ve written !
Burmese Army would do a very good job in ridding the trouble makers off southern Thailand like they had done on their border with Bangladesh.
They would just declare these people non-citizens and forcefully pushed them back across the border. The justification for their action comes simply from the fact that the grandfathers of these people were not born on the soil they are now residing, so they must be foreigners.
WLH – where can I get this CD ?
In all my time in Thailand, I’ve never come across an actual copy – despite meeting some who say they’ve seen it.
Re. the CP abdicating for a less stressful, more enjoyable life in Germany.
It would be a pity – especially if he could no longer fly planes, which he obviously enjoys, for charity.
Abdication may well be Prem’s trump card, proving the old general still has it in him to rescue irons from the fire.
Of course it’s no secret Princess Sirindhorn is hugely popular, including in Isaarn – there’d be little sentiment for separation there if she were Queen, especially if there is no bloodbath coup attempt to crush the Red-shirts.
Such a bloodbath is the only thing I fear may trigger now nascent Isaarn nationalism into full-blown separatism. And of course, the Princess is also very well-liked in the Lao PDR.
ModDaeng – I never mind being corrected.
There are infinite enlightenments before Nirvana – that highest consciousness you obviously think you’ve now attained !
Violence is not really my cup of tea, neither is racism.
I will not advocate for Malaysians to organise along racial lines – in fact, this is Malaysia’s problem – that the majority organises along racial lines.
There is a need to show force but in a democratically permissable manner. Peaceful demonstrations are acceptable. Civil disobedience is acceptable. But violence – I really can’t justify it.
I do not also advocate foreign intervention – except that foreign governments have an obligation to impress upon all governments to respect universal rights. Hence the Obama and Rudd administration’s praise of Malaysia is nothing short of hypocracy.
This is a crucial time for Malaysia – a test for Malaysia as a nation, as much as a test for Malaysian Muslims – on whether they do support the idea that Malaysia belongs to all its citizens and not just some.
p.s. Submarine, if I do come across the full judgement, I’ll post the link.
I would suggest not to overestimate this “nice try” to bend any numbers to be 10 and stay closer to the facts mentioned after this superstituous stuff in this article.
“…that the stock prices moved up significantly whenever good news came out in support of their business operations.”
Well, that’s how stock markets work. It should be a problem only if the price moves up before the news are published. Otherwise, that’s not his fault – blame those greedy investors…
I am interested in your definition of the King exercising His power via parliament and cabinet…
however
1. I suspect that the Constitution (as rewritten many times since the first after 1932) does not support your interpretation
2. do you think that there should also be a path from the King to the military, or are they just committing lese majeste when they claim to act for the King against parliament and cabinet?
3. do you think we should accept that the Prem and “his” Privy Council should effectively usurp the power of the King in “arranging” events in Thailand?
“I don’t think it’s fair to compare two distinctively different cultures; military and academics.
I beg to differ. It’s a stereotyped picture you paint. I know academics who ‘swear like a trooper’, and army officers who don’t, depends on your individual upbringing and personality, nature plus nurture if you like. Military men are not all Holywood types. It just so happens that for some of us the line between make-believe and real life gets blurred.
These Australian journalists showed up at the camp unannounced and uninvited, peered through the fence, pissed of the guards, and declared it secret, squalid, and remote (2 hour drive – how remote is that?).
They don’t know how many people are held at this camp. They don’t even know if that camp houses the latest wave of refugees or not. They quoted Australian Immigration spokesman (no name) but they still don’t know how many visas have been granted, only that “some”.
In the July – September 2009 issue of Fa Dio Kan (Year 7, No. 3) the journal published the official judgment in the Daranee Chanchoengsilapakul (“Da Torpedo”) lese majeste case which was handed down on 28 August 2009.
As is well known, because of the nature of the offense it was difficult for the media to openly report on what it was that Da Torpedo is alleged to have actually said that violated the lese majeste law.
For those who have not read this issue of Fa Dio Kan I have briefly summarized below parts of the judgment that outlined the statements that Da Torpedo (hereafter DT) made which were deemed to have violated the lese majeste law and led to her arrest and subsequent 18-year jail sentence (the full version of the judgment that was published in Fa Dio Kan runs to 32 pages).
p. 201: In a speech at Sanam Luang on 7 June 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and Queen of Thailand were behind the PAD demonstrations, with the intention of overthrowing the government.
p. 202: In a speech on 13 June 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had interfered in Thailand’s judicial process.
p. 203: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was behind, or gave his support to, the 19 September 2006 coup d’etat, and he might carry out another coup in the future. Also, DT used the term “р╣Др╕нр╣Йр╕Хр╕▓р╣Бр╕Бр╣И” (“that old bastard”), which was understood as implying the King.
p. 204: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had ordered the military to carry out the coup.
p. 205: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and the Queen had ordered the military to carry out the coup.
pp. 206-7: In a speech on 18-19 July 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had some knowledge about (р╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щ) the shooting death of his brother in 1946, which was why the killer had not been caught.
pp. 207-8: In the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the then Chairperson of the Board of the Bangkok Bank, Kanlaya Sophonphanit and Gen. Prem Tinasulanonda, Chairman of the Privy Council as well as Chairman of the Bangkok Bank, had supported the PAD demonstrations, and questioned why the King had not dismissed Gen. Prem for such actions.
p. 208: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was behind the September 19 2006 coup.
p. 208: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and the Queen were behind the PAD’s campaign to overthrow the government.
p. 211: In a speech on 18 July 2008 DT is judged as spoken words leading to the understanding that the King carried out his duties improperly by signing his approval to 14 coup d’etats.
p. 212: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was involved [р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╣Ир╕вр╕зр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕З] in the death of his elder brother, King Rama VIII, on 9 June 1946.
p. 213: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was a “bad man” because of his association with Gen. Prem Tinasulalond who, DT alleged, was supporting the PAD.
pp. 213-214: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and Queen supported Gen. Prem in carrying out the coup of 19 September 2006.
p. 214: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words (by comparing the Thai monarchy with monarchies in Russia, France and Nepal) leading to the understanding that monarchy was an unjust system of government which oppressed and exploited the people, and that the king and royal family ought to be guillotined or shot.
Hey, it’s better safe than sorry. If you were strong and organized, no one will mess with you.
Muslim Uighurs killed over 198 Chinese, should that be enough a lesson learned? “We are Malays because we are Muslim and we are a kind of pure breed,” reminds me of the Nazi-Germany’s Aryan idea against the Jews.
Stan: “Anyone’s memory of nazi victims here feel genuinely offended by Kavi?”
You do know what they’re all thinking then? Bravo.
“In the mean time, the thought police (”you can’t mention Goebbels because he was a Nazi”) can go and comment on Lese Majeste instead.”
That’s disingeneous at best. Disagreeing with someone’s opinion, or pointing out that it’s silly, does not imply at attempt at censorship. The current enforcement of LM on the other hand…
I rather hear that even the Reds consider Giles a politically confused extremist, and do not take him serously. Now, is this also “a fact”?
On lese majeste, there was an interesting article on this subject in the BP of Jan. 19, written by the Dutch Ambassador (who was recently treated to lunch by Gen Prem and some fellow high-ranking monarchists). At the end of the article, he states:
“Through Article 94 of the Dutch Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1954 has become part of Dutch law.
Since that time, Article 10 of this European law that deals with the freedom of expression has had its own calming effect on the actual application of lese majeste laws in the country.
However, it was not until 1994 in a lese majeste case brought before it that the Supreme Court of the Netherlands explicitly carried out what henceforth has become known as the “necessity test” when determining whether a penalty in light of a particular publication is necessary and appropriate. Criticism about the Dutch monarch or her heir-apparent that is considered “a contribution to the public debate” enjoys protection under European and Dutch law, and Dutch courts have applied this criterion faithfully and judiciously ever since, in the interest of freedom of expression in the country.”
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Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Not to be dismissive of someone else’s hard and productive work but that last part that shows cases for each year – do you have exact references? I am putting together a book and there is a large section that references lese majeste cases here in Thailand. The actual published hardcopy version will be shorter than an online addendum. Title: Thailand’s WMD.
Please provide what you can in terms of specifics, and many thanks in advance.
FGA
Irrawaddy water and Ne Win’s gold trees
aiontay,
Personalities, more than policies, have always interested a lot more people the world over, especially where you don’t go hungry or feel their policies have had a negative impact on you personally. Jokes apart, a combination of disastrous policies plus unsavoury or bizarre personalities will provoke a torrent of abuse definitely personal, not sparing their mother, explicitly sexual, at least in private in Burma.
The return of Thailand’s old friend
“I think it’s because he’s not really a Thai Thai. He has other ideas in his head. He does not say kreng jai. He does not think about merit and sin. He thinks about how he can be a powerful man. He wants to be the leader of everybody, the big boss of everybody. This kind of thinking to me reflects not Thai Buddhism, but Chinese imperial thinking. The imperial thinking of the Chinese emperor. The Chinese theory. If you read about this, and I’ve studied a lot about it, we see this thinking.”
Thaksin, a Thai Chinese, the wannabe Chinese emperor? Does he, the famous professor Stephen Young, really mean that, or has he gone mad?
Irrawaddy water and Ne Win’s gold trees
Hla Oo and Moe Aung can correct me if I’m wrong, but there seems to be a subset of Burman (and Karen to a lesser extent) political discourse that is pretty sexually explicit. There are all sorts of jokes about Ne Win’s libido and speculation about the sexual orientation of the former head of MI provided all sorts of funny material.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Instead of discussing the issues, Giles Ji’s political opponent decided the best way to stop Giles Ji is to tear him down. When a virtuous person Giles Ji sees injustice in front of his eyes, his clear conscience dictates him to speak out. It is just plain and simple as that with no confusion.
Here’s the fact with no propaganda from Bangkok Pundit (Jan 18th, 2010).
1. Thailand’s violation:
“Thailand’s lese majeste law goes beyond the permissible restrictions on freedom of expression provided for under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party.
Many people charged under the lese majeste law, have also been charged under the 2007 Computer-related Crimes Act. This Act has led to a sharp increase in monitoring of the internet for lese majeste content: tens of thousands of websites have been blocked by the government in Thailand. This broad-ranging censorship of websites in itself constitutes a violation of the ICCPR.
Amnesty International is also concerned with the characterization of the lese majeste law by the Minister of Justice as a matter of national security, and the subsequent decision in June 2009 to hold Darunee Chanchoengsilapakul’s trial behind closed doors on that basis. National security is indeed one of the grounds set out in the ICCPR on which a state may impose limitations on freedom of expression, but it may do so only pursuant to a publicly-proclaimed state of emergency which threatens the life of the nation. This has not been done – and is not the case – in Thailand.”
2. Thailand required to do the following:
Amnesty International has requested Thailand “to amend the lese majeste law so that it complies with international law and standards.
Specifically, the government should abolish the law’s provision allowing any citizen to report another for alleged violation of the law. Pending this and all other necessary legislative changes, the government should suspend the use of the lese majeste law.
The government should also cease censorship of websites on the grounds of upholding the lese majeste law.”
3. Is the Thai monarchy a hindrance to modernization and the desire of the Thai people’s for democracy, freedom and liberty?
2006: New Cases Sent to Trial: 30 / Cases Adjudicated: 21
2007: New Cases Sent to Trial: 126 / Cases Adjudicated: 48
2008: New Cases Sent to Trial: 77 / Cases Adjudicated: 62
Thaksin on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Tumbler – I’ve never disputed the fact Thailand is not a Western-style democracy : it very clearly is n’t.
Thai Buddhist notions of kingship are closer to Plato’s ideal of a philosopher-king, which Plato considered the best form of government. Plato thought democracy was only second-best.
StanG – thanks for reminding everyone of the Ranger’s earlier
thuggish behaviour towards PAD. At this point PAD had my sympathy – and they still do on some issues.
I’m not completely convinced by Nick’s argument – but it’s by far the best counter-argument so far. A big contrast to Ralph.
Ralph – it’s time to quit your festive season, get off the booze before posting, signpost your often interminably long-winded
gas-bagging, and stopping your silly tactic of putting words into my mouth when if you were half sober you could see that what you say I’ve said is not what I’ve written !
Patani and Turkey: What’s the connection?
Burmese Army would do a very good job in ridding the trouble makers off southern Thailand like they had done on their border with Bangladesh.
They would just declare these people non-citizens and forcefully pushed them back across the border. The justification for their action comes simply from the fact that the grandfathers of these people were not born on the soil they are now residing, so they must be foreigners.
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
WLH – where can I get this CD ?
In all my time in Thailand, I’ve never come across an actual copy – despite meeting some who say they’ve seen it.
Re. the CP abdicating for a less stressful, more enjoyable life in Germany.
It would be a pity – especially if he could no longer fly planes, which he obviously enjoys, for charity.
Abdication may well be Prem’s trump card, proving the old general still has it in him to rescue irons from the fire.
Of course it’s no secret Princess Sirindhorn is hugely popular, including in Isaarn – there’d be little sentiment for separation there if she were Queen, especially if there is no bloodbath coup attempt to crush the Red-shirts.
Such a bloodbath is the only thing I fear may trigger now nascent Isaarn nationalism into full-blown separatism. And of course, the Princess is also very well-liked in the Lao PDR.
Thaksin’s number 10 gambit
[…] […]
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
ModDaeng – I never mind being corrected.
There are infinite enlightenments before Nirvana – that highest consciousness you obviously think you’ve now attained !
The Allah dilemma in Malaysia
Hi guys,
Violence is not really my cup of tea, neither is racism.
I will not advocate for Malaysians to organise along racial lines – in fact, this is Malaysia’s problem – that the majority organises along racial lines.
There is a need to show force but in a democratically permissable manner. Peaceful demonstrations are acceptable. Civil disobedience is acceptable. But violence – I really can’t justify it.
I do not also advocate foreign intervention – except that foreign governments have an obligation to impress upon all governments to respect universal rights. Hence the Obama and Rudd administration’s praise of Malaysia is nothing short of hypocracy.
This is a crucial time for Malaysia – a test for Malaysia as a nation, as much as a test for Malaysian Muslims – on whether they do support the idea that Malaysia belongs to all its citizens and not just some.
p.s. Submarine, if I do come across the full judgement, I’ll post the link.
Thaksin’s number 10 gambit
I would suggest not to overestimate this “nice try” to bend any numbers to be 10 and stay closer to the facts mentioned after this superstituous stuff in this article.
“…that the stock prices moved up significantly whenever good news came out in support of their business operations.”
Well, that’s how stock markets work. It should be a problem only if the price moves up before the news are published. Otherwise, that’s not his fault – blame those greedy investors…
Thaksin on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Stan…
I am interested in your definition of the King exercising His power via parliament and cabinet…
however
1. I suspect that the Constitution (as rewritten many times since the first after 1932) does not support your interpretation
2. do you think that there should also be a path from the King to the military, or are they just committing lese majeste when they claim to act for the King against parliament and cabinet?
3. do you think we should accept that the Prem and “his” Privy Council should effectively usurp the power of the King in “arranging” events in Thailand?
The sum of all fears
So far I haven’t seen a single argument against Kavi’s comparison apart from it being offensive to Nazi victims.
“Bloody silly” is not an argument.
Irrawaddy water and Ne Win’s gold trees
Suzie Wong or is it Susie?
“I don’t think it’s fair to compare two distinctively different cultures; military and academics.
I beg to differ. It’s a stereotyped picture you paint. I know academics who ‘swear like a trooper’, and army officers who don’t, depends on your individual upbringing and personality, nature plus nurture if you like. Military men are not all Holywood types. It just so happens that for some of us the line between make-believe and real life gets blurred.
Abhisit’s definition of voluntary
These Australian journalists showed up at the camp unannounced and uninvited, peered through the fence, pissed of the guards, and declared it secret, squalid, and remote (2 hour drive – how remote is that?).
They don’t know how many people are held at this camp. They don’t even know if that camp houses the latest wave of refugees or not. They quoted Australian Immigration spokesman (no name) but they still don’t know how many visas have been granted, only that “some”.
What kind of “reporting” is this?
Send a card to Da
In the July – September 2009 issue of Fa Dio Kan (Year 7, No. 3) the journal published the official judgment in the Daranee Chanchoengsilapakul (“Da Torpedo”) lese majeste case which was handed down on 28 August 2009.
As is well known, because of the nature of the offense it was difficult for the media to openly report on what it was that Da Torpedo is alleged to have actually said that violated the lese majeste law.
For those who have not read this issue of Fa Dio Kan I have briefly summarized below parts of the judgment that outlined the statements that Da Torpedo (hereafter DT) made which were deemed to have violated the lese majeste law and led to her arrest and subsequent 18-year jail sentence (the full version of the judgment that was published in Fa Dio Kan runs to 32 pages).
p. 201: In a speech at Sanam Luang on 7 June 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and Queen of Thailand were behind the PAD demonstrations, with the intention of overthrowing the government.
p. 202: In a speech on 13 June 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had interfered in Thailand’s judicial process.
p. 203: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was behind, or gave his support to, the 19 September 2006 coup d’etat, and he might carry out another coup in the future. Also, DT used the term “р╣Др╕нр╣Йр╕Хр╕▓р╣Бр╕Бр╣И” (“that old bastard”), which was understood as implying the King.
p. 204: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had ordered the military to carry out the coup.
p. 205: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and the Queen had ordered the military to carry out the coup.
pp. 206-7: In a speech on 18-19 July 2008 DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King had some knowledge about (р╕кр╣Ир╕зр╕Щр╕гр╕╣р╣Йр╣Ар╕лр╣Зр╕Щ) the shooting death of his brother in 1946, which was why the killer had not been caught.
pp. 207-8: In the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the then Chairperson of the Board of the Bangkok Bank, Kanlaya Sophonphanit and Gen. Prem Tinasulanonda, Chairman of the Privy Council as well as Chairman of the Bangkok Bank, had supported the PAD demonstrations, and questioned why the King had not dismissed Gen. Prem for such actions.
p. 208: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was behind the September 19 2006 coup.
p. 208: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and the Queen were behind the PAD’s campaign to overthrow the government.
p. 211: In a speech on 18 July 2008 DT is judged as spoken words leading to the understanding that the King carried out his duties improperly by signing his approval to 14 coup d’etats.
p. 212: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was involved [р╣Ар╕Бр╕╡р╣Ир╕вр╕зр╕Вр╣Йр╕нр╕З] in the death of his elder brother, King Rama VIII, on 9 June 1946.
p. 213: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King was a “bad man” because of his association with Gen. Prem Tinasulalond who, DT alleged, was supporting the PAD.
pp. 213-214: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words leading to the understanding that the King and Queen supported Gen. Prem in carrying out the coup of 19 September 2006.
p. 214: In another part of the same speech DT is judged as having spoken words (by comparing the Thai monarchy with monarchies in Russia, France and Nepal) leading to the understanding that monarchy was an unjust system of government which oppressed and exploited the people, and that the king and royal family ought to be guillotined or shot.
The Allah dilemma in Malaysia
Hey, it’s better safe than sorry. If you were strong and organized, no one will mess with you.
Muslim Uighurs killed over 198 Chinese, should that be enough a lesson learned? “We are Malays because we are Muslim and we are a kind of pure breed,” reminds me of the Nazi-Germany’s Aryan idea against the Jews.
The sum of all fears
Stan: “Anyone’s memory of nazi victims here feel genuinely offended by Kavi?”
You do know what they’re all thinking then? Bravo.
“In the mean time, the thought police (”you can’t mention Goebbels because he was a Nazi”) can go and comment on Lese Majeste instead.”
That’s disingeneous at best. Disagreeing with someone’s opinion, or pointing out that it’s silly, does not imply at attempt at censorship. The current enforcement of LM on the other hand…
Giles Ji Ungpakorn on Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn
Suzie,
I rather hear that even the Reds consider Giles a politically confused extremist, and do not take him serously. Now, is this also “a fact”?
On lese majeste, there was an interesting article on this subject in the BP of Jan. 19, written by the Dutch Ambassador (who was recently treated to lunch by Gen Prem and some fellow high-ranking monarchists). At the end of the article, he states:
“Through Article 94 of the Dutch Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1954 has become part of Dutch law.
Since that time, Article 10 of this European law that deals with the freedom of expression has had its own calming effect on the actual application of lese majeste laws in the country.
However, it was not until 1994 in a lese majeste case brought before it that the Supreme Court of the Netherlands explicitly carried out what henceforth has become known as the “necessity test” when determining whether a penalty in light of a particular publication is necessary and appropriate. Criticism about the Dutch monarch or her heir-apparent that is considered “a contribution to the public debate” enjoys protection under European and Dutch law, and Dutch courts have applied this criterion faithfully and judiciously ever since, in the interest of freedom of expression in the country.”