With apologies for chasing my own tail, I believe Prachathai deserves all the support it can muster, but it is dismaying to see Ji call for a college at Oxford to cancel a talk by the Thai prime minister.
It is wrong in principle and tactically. Ji now has a case to answer over apparent hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech.
It also seems to me that a no-show by the prime minister is an educational opportunity lost. Ji’s calculation may be that a campaign to stop the talk is an educational opportunity in itself, but I’d suggest it puts the focus in the wrong place.
I just read your comment on “I Little Slave.” It gives me an inspiration to continue working on my father. He was Colonel Royal Lao Army, spent 13 years in reeducation camp. He arrived in the US in 1988 and passed away in 2002.
I have interviewed over 100 Lao refugees, former military officers and civillians across the US for my research project on Lao Court Music. I discovered so many sad, funny and survival stories and wish that this information can be published some where, some how.
Injustice handed down from on high has a special smell, it makes one feel at once energised with rage, and sick with a feeling of hopelessness. There is nothing we can do about the descent into authoritarian servitude that this country is going through. The stupidity of it all, the great tragedy, the loss of what was so solid, bright and reassuring about Thailand is all that remains. Memories forgotten by the blind legions of zealots with their silly colours.All the while the conviction is reinforced, I am nobody’s king and nobody is mine. Sooner or later, Mr Fowler, one has to take sides if one is to remain human.
A group of about 50 have gathered to show support for Jeeranuch and Prachathai. The police are still working on copying data from her hard drive, fingerprinting her, and taking down her personal history.
I’ve been following this on Twitter all evening via @bact.
—Summary translation—
Police showed up in 1 private car, 2 police cars, and 1 police van.
The webmaster (Jeeranuch) was taken to the Crime Suppression Office 5 near р╣Бр╕Фр╕Щр╣Ар╕Щр╕гр╕бр╕┤р╕Х (defunct amusement park) on Phahonyothin Road (near Central Lat Phrao).
They took her personal computer in order to clone the contents and go through them. The Prachathai folks were trying to find a way to compute the checksum for the entire disk, to make sure nothing was added while the police “cloned” the hard drive.
Police were trying to get the press not to report the story.
Search warrant number is 183/52.
After a lawyer arrive, the webmaster heard the charge against her: her crime is allowing users to make comments that break lese majeste law and not removing those comments. The comments are said to have stayed up on the Prachathai site for 20 days. In violation of sections 14 (1) (3) (5), and 15 of the computer crime law.
——
The police failed to kill the story, though. This is up on The Nation website.
The king openly said on his birth day a few years ago that he was ok with criticism. This law is against his wish. If you are ‘sincerely’ royal to him. You should support the amendment of this law.
Above all, you cannot speak for all Thais. They are growing number of Thais who are disillusion with the monarchy and the king himself. So far only one side of the story has been heard for centuries, let hear the other side. Then people can debate on pros and cons and think by themselves what they want to do with monarchy. This is what it calls democracy, which I am not sure if you believe in it.
Living in US and working for a US company earning and living and i assume he’s willing to die there
Listening to (and reading) these defenders of the LM law (and the monarchy) is just about enough reason to start an anti-monarchy blog – just for the fun of it!
(might be a way to increase readership too, except in Thailand) 🙂
Urgent! Two truckloads of police raided Prachatai office and held in custody webmaster
Around 15.00, around five police officers in uniform and plainclothes rode into two cars and produced search warrant and arrest warrant to hold in custody Ms. Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Prachatai webmaster for breaches of Section 15 of the Computer-related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007). The inquiry is going to commence, and meanwhile Ms. Prechaiporn refused to answer questions before having access to legal her counsels.
Section 14 Whoever commits the following acts shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Baht or both:
(1) input into a computer system wholly or partially fake or false computer data that is likely to cause damage to another person or the public;
(2) input into a computer system false computer data in a manner that is likely to undermine national security or to cause public panic;
(3) input into a computer system computer data that is an offence against national security or terrorism according to the Criminal Code.
(4) input into a computer system pornographic computer data that is accessible to the public;
(5) publish or forward any computer data with the full knowledge that such computer data is under paragraph (1), (2) (3) or (4);
Section 15 Any service provider, who intentionally supports or gives consent to the commission of an offence under Section 14 in the computer system in his control, shall be liable to the same penalty as provided in Section 14.
I think the analysis by Dr. Pornthip soon after October 7 suggests that the tear gas grenades used were not designed for civilian use. They used RDX, a powerful high explosive, as the bursting charge (which breaks open the metal case and disperses the chemical agent). This suggests to me that they were designed to be used in military assault operations rather than for crowd control. My suspicion at the time was that the officer who had control of the contract to procure crowd control agents bought the cheapest stuff available to be able line his own pocket. It presumably never occurred to him that these things might actually be used! The police were never trained in crowd control techniques. That was obvious from the videos on TV that day. The officers firing the tear gas grenades appeared to be deliberately aiming at people. I’m surprised there was only one fatality.
The fascinating question of what actually caused the death of that Police Lt. Col. who seems to have been blown up by his own explosives will probably never be answered. I believe Dr. Pornthip did conduct an autopsy, but the report has never been released to the public, nor has any other investigative material. It has surely been deposited in the memory hole to protect the populace from being contaminated.
Today, in Bangkok, Prime Minister Abhisit gave a major speech about the need to increase press freedom in Thailand…………
———————————————–
Thai PM Abhisit commits to promote media freedom
By Jofelle P Tesorio
from: Asia News Network – March 6, 2009
Bangkok – Determined to reclaim Thailand’s position as a country that values press freedom the most in Asia, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has vowed to push for laws that provide the media the needed protection to perform its functions of serving the public.
Speaking before editors from Asian countries, media entities and guests at the 10th anniversary celebration of Asia News Network (ANN) at the Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok, this morning (March 6), Abhisit said proposed liberal media laws are underway.
ANN is an alliance of 20 newspapers in 17 countries and the biggest media alliance worldwide in terms of readership.
Among the laws being prepared are the amendment of the official information law, which will make information more accessible to the public; the enactment of the law on the protection of media professionals and a policy on regulating the electronic media.
“Ten years ago, when Thailand looked at the freedom of the media table, we were right up there among the best. We used to claim that we were the region’s best in terms of providing freedom for the media. These days, we look at the countries below us because we have fallen down and slipped down in this media table of freedom considerably in the last decade,” he said.
The Prime Minister lamented that there have been a decline on the relationship between the media and the government. Journalists often find themselves at odds with government officials.
“I have every intention to reverse that trend,” he said.
With regard to the les majeste law, which provides criminal liability for criticising and attacking the monarchy of Thailand, Abhisit explained that this specific law has been in existence for a long time and he was “not sure” that this was the reason for media freedom decline.
“The principle for this law, I don’t think in itself, violates the principle of freedom of expression…The problem in recent past is that because there have been attempts to bring the monarchy down into the political context…”
“I’m aware of the problem. We will try to clarify the way how this law will be enforced,” he said.
Talking like a journalist in front of mostly media editors and practitioners, Abhisit noticed the challenges the technology poses to mainstream media.
“We live in very challenging times… But also you also live through times where there will be new challenges in the thing that you do, particularly in technology,” he says.
Abhisit also challenged media practitioners in Asia to retain readership among the young people as they are the more adept to technology.
“They are the first and quickest to report on technological changes and unless we are able to retain their readership… and of course the print media industry will also be threatened and also might even face decline,” he said.
Abhisit also tackled technology, which has been blurring the lines between consumers and journalists.
“We are not talking about just consumers in this day in age when we talk about the Internet. The line between producers and consumers has been blurred and that’s also true as far as news services and journalism is concerned because with blogs, with individual websites, with this technology, anybody can now claim to also be a reporter and a journalist. And a considerable challenge for you to demonstrate, there is still need professionalism with the things that you do. And by keeping up a with standards and ensuring the quality of your news and reports, that is the only to say no to people who aspire to be journalists and reporters by using the Internet without having the necessary qualification or knowledge or even ethical standards.”
“While the Internet and the electronic media provide further opportunities, they also bring on fresh and formidable challenges.”
The Prime Minister also touched on his speech various issues facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) of which Thailand is the chairman. Fresh from hosting the Asean Summit, he said members of the regional grouping have reaffirmed the Asean community by 2015.
The grouping, he mentioned, is committed to seek the full participation of the civil society and the need to engage the people.
Asians, he said, should have more awareness as “Asian citizens and find common purpose to fully tap the potential of this region”.
It has been suggested that perhaps the real reason behind this raid is
that the police want to get hold of a certain webboard user, hence the
explanation for why the Computer Crime law was used – not the
infamous Lese Majeste – and the fact that only Ms. Chiranuch, who’s
the webboard administrator, is arrested.
ANyway, I have no clue how to deal with this. Any protest wont turn
out fruitful, you know the Thai media.
Portman said: …struck by the explosive component of the tear gas grenades used by police that were design to explode on impact in order to maim and kill in addition to releasing gas..
I’m no expert on riot control agent agents, but I have never heard of tear gas weapons designed to deliberately maim and kill.
Can you point us to a reference on that? I’m sure many readers would like to know what sort of company would manufacture such a noxious weapon. Perhaps you can lead the campaign to sanction such an anti-social enterprise.
Oh, and while you are at at, can you tell us what your expert to end all arguments, Dr. Pornthip, had to say about the guy who got blown up in the jeep? Surely his death was of concern to her (and you)? I would really like to know.
How well do you know about this Jakrapob Penkair? Well do some research, the story has two side. You might change your mind about this man.
Dear Joy,
Didn’t I mention that Harry Nicolaides got released last month? So you are saying that isn’t a fair deal he’s got. Almost every convict were released after the supreme court has ruled out their sentence. Why? Isn’t it because of LM law that give Thai King some sort of power to rule out a royal pardon to anyone that he see it fit.
It might look like that LM was unfair to westerners but it is the law of Thailand. You go into their country, then obey their laws. It’s the law that majority of people has voted and accepted it.
Talking about unfair trial, you are saying that in Quantanamo bay detention camp, every prisoner has a very fair trial? Some of prisoners there were put in jailed without being convicted. Some of them were humiliated, tortured or even killed. What kind of human right is that? I believe that every person who is convicted under LM law will have 100% chance to survive than being convicted under you don’t even know what charge in Quantanamo bay detention camp.
Dear Frank G Anderson,
I understand your point of view about exercising your right of freedom. But if you have readed Wukong’s comment about why LM law exist, you might understand a bit more. As of me being a Thai who is completely sane and educated, I don’t see what is so wrong about LM law. We love our King, and we don’t want anyone to bad mouth him. So we have created a law to protect him. The law is accepted by people of Thailand. Smell the roses of responsibility? mmm I’m more like smell the roses of privacy. Thank you.
Dear DoctorJ,
Yes, I have read the letter. But I also agreed with Ralph Kramden’s comment
“The letter is a compromise. I am sure that some of those who signed the letter would prefer that the LM law be abolished.” just in case you have missed this comment.
Also, I have admired that prof. Thongchai has done such an enormous thing to stood against those brutal right-wing military. But what is he doing now for the country apart from creating a controversy against his own mother land? Living in US and working for a US company earning and living and i assume he’s willing to die there.
Let me remind you DoctorJ, King Bhumipol has 7000 projects he has invented to help his people in his country. He dedicated his whole life to work for 65 million people of Thailand, and he doesn’t get paid for it. For more than 60 years that he’s been in power. He had quietly fought with those communists who tried so hard to take over the country, to protect his people. What is so bad about this person, what has he done so bad that for you all to criticise him.
Dear all of you,
Thailand is an very open-mind country comparing with many other countries in the world. We has accepted and changed many things in the past to suit those westerners who completely sane and think that they have right to everything. The only thing we have asked you not to talk about it is about our King. You might not understand why? But believe me, it’s a simply unconditional love that we have to our King you will never understand.
jonfernquest asked: Is lese majeste a popular law? Answer that question first.
No, it’s not, IMHO. Do you have evidence to the contrary?
What’s exactly is your problem with petitioning? The various Thaksin-haters and curmudgeons and ruling class mucky-mucks already have labeled electoral democracy as flawed. Now you want to badmouth petitioning (which of course is part of a very old and ballyhooed Thai historical tradition).
What exactly is your bottom line on what dissenters should be allowed to do? Have seditious dreams?
Prasit said:: A person’s family rights, dignity, reputation or the right of privacy shall be protected.
The assertion or circulation of a statement or picture in any manner whatsoever to the public, which violates or affects a person’s family rights, dignity, reputation or the right of privacy, shall not be made except for the case which is beneficial to the public..
——————————————————————————-
Apparently then, Manager and its online version, which contain more personal attacks and slanders in a week than Ji could possibly manage in a lifetime, are violating the constitution every day.
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
Crackdown on Prachatai
With apologies for chasing my own tail, I believe Prachathai deserves all the support it can muster, but it is dismaying to see Ji call for a college at Oxford to cancel a talk by the Thai prime minister.
It is wrong in principle and tactically. Ji now has a case to answer over apparent hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech.
It also seems to me that a no-show by the prime minister is an educational opportunity lost. Ji’s calculation may be that a campaign to stop the talk is an educational opportunity in itself, but I’d suggest it puts the focus in the wrong place.
I hope Ji can offer an explanation on this blog.
New book on Lao history
Hello Ms. Sweet
I just read your comment on “I Little Slave.” It gives me an inspiration to continue working on my father. He was Colonel Royal Lao Army, spent 13 years in reeducation camp. He arrived in the US in 1988 and passed away in 2002.
I have interviewed over 100 Lao refugees, former military officers and civillians across the US for my research project on Lao Court Music. I discovered so many sad, funny and survival stories and wish that this information can be published some where, some how.
Sincerely,
Crackdown on Prachatai
Injustice handed down from on high has a special smell, it makes one feel at once energised with rage, and sick with a feeling of hopelessness. There is nothing we can do about the descent into authoritarian servitude that this country is going through. The stupidity of it all, the great tragedy, the loss of what was so solid, bright and reassuring about Thailand is all that remains. Memories forgotten by the blind legions of zealots with their silly colours.All the while the conviction is reinforced, I am nobody’s king and nobody is mine. Sooner or later, Mr Fowler, one has to take sides if one is to remain human.
Crackdown on Prachatai
Latest update (via @markpeak):
From Prachathai:
Jeeranuch has been granted bail with help from Dr. Chantana Wun-Gaeo (р╕гр╕и.р╕Фр╕г.р╕Йр╕▒р╕Щр╕Чр╕Щр╕▓ р╕Ър╕гр╕гр╕Юр╕ир╕┤р╕гр╕┤р╣Вр╕Кр╕Хр╕┤ р╕лр╕зр╕▒р╕Щр╣Бр╕Бр╣Йр╕з) of the poli-sci department at Chula.
A group of about 50 have gathered to show support for Jeeranuch and Prachathai. The police are still working on copying data from her hard drive, fingerprinting her, and taking down her personal history.
Crackdown on Prachatai
I’ve been following this on Twitter all evening via @bact.
—Summary translation—
Police showed up in 1 private car, 2 police cars, and 1 police van.
The webmaster (Jeeranuch) was taken to the Crime Suppression Office 5 near р╣Бр╕Фр╕Щр╣Ар╕Щр╕гр╕бр╕┤р╕Х (defunct amusement park) on Phahonyothin Road (near Central Lat Phrao).
They took her personal computer in order to clone the contents and go through them. The Prachathai folks were trying to find a way to compute the checksum for the entire disk, to make sure nothing was added while the police “cloned” the hard drive.
Police were trying to get the press not to report the story.
Search warrant number is 183/52.
After a lawyer arrive, the webmaster heard the charge against her: her crime is allowing users to make comments that break lese majeste law and not removing those comments. The comments are said to have stayed up on the Prachathai site for 20 days. In violation of sections 14 (1) (3) (5), and 15 of the computer crime law.
——
The police failed to kill the story, though. This is up on The Nation website.
Crackdown on Prachatai
the current situation (as 20.25 on 6/3/09) she got bail out.
Prachatai has update (in thai) http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/15795
Crackdown on Prachatai
Democrats=feudalists=dictators=absolutists=greatest – of- all hypocrites.
International scholars call for reform of Thailand’s lese majeste law
Taro Mongkoltip,
The king openly said on his birth day a few years ago that he was ok with criticism. This law is against his wish. If you are ‘sincerely’ royal to him. You should support the amendment of this law.
Above all, you cannot speak for all Thais. They are growing number of Thais who are disillusion with the monarchy and the king himself. So far only one side of the story has been heard for centuries, let hear the other side. Then people can debate on pros and cons and think by themselves what they want to do with monarchy. This is what it calls democracy, which I am not sure if you believe in it.
Further details on Giles’ Oxford talk
So, this is the level at Oxford University? Doesn’t seem that different from a Ratchaphat in Thailand…
International scholars call for reform of Thailand’s lese majeste law
Living in US and working for a US company earning and living and i assume he’s willing to die there
Listening to (and reading) these defenders of the LM law (and the monarchy) is just about enough reason to start an anti-monarchy blog – just for the fun of it!
(might be a way to increase readership too, except in Thailand) 🙂
Crackdown on Prachatai
Some misspelling of names are there in the email message.
Here is my attempt to translate the news in Thai from Prachatai website.
News from Prachatai (http://www.prachatai.com/05web/th/home/15791)
Urgent! Two truckloads of police raided Prachatai office and held in custody webmaster
Around 15.00, around five police officers in uniform and plainclothes rode into two cars and produced search warrant and arrest warrant to hold in custody Ms. Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Prachatai webmaster for breaches of Section 15 of the Computer-related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007). The inquiry is going to commence, and meanwhile Ms. Prechaiporn refused to answer questions before having access to legal her counsels.
Section 14 Whoever commits the following acts shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Baht or both:
(1) input into a computer system wholly or partially fake or false computer data that is likely to cause damage to another person or the public;
(2) input into a computer system false computer data in a manner that is likely to undermine national security or to cause public panic;
(3) input into a computer system computer data that is an offence against national security or terrorism according to the Criminal Code.
(4) input into a computer system pornographic computer data that is accessible to the public;
(5) publish or forward any computer data with the full knowledge that such computer data is under paragraph (1), (2) (3) or (4);
Section 15 Any service provider, who intentionally supports or gives consent to the commission of an offence under Section 14 in the computer system in his control, shall be liable to the same penalty as provided in Section 14.
Computer-related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007)
http://www.etcommission.go.th/documents/laws/draft/cc_act_en_unofficial.pdf
What happened on 7/10/2008?
@amberwaves #110
I think the analysis by Dr. Pornthip soon after October 7 suggests that the tear gas grenades used were not designed for civilian use. They used RDX, a powerful high explosive, as the bursting charge (which breaks open the metal case and disperses the chemical agent). This suggests to me that they were designed to be used in military assault operations rather than for crowd control. My suspicion at the time was that the officer who had control of the contract to procure crowd control agents bought the cheapest stuff available to be able line his own pocket. It presumably never occurred to him that these things might actually be used! The police were never trained in crowd control techniques. That was obvious from the videos on TV that day. The officers firing the tear gas grenades appeared to be deliberately aiming at people. I’m surprised there was only one fatality.
The fascinating question of what actually caused the death of that Police Lt. Col. who seems to have been blown up by his own explosives will probably never be answered. I believe Dr. Pornthip did conduct an autopsy, but the report has never been released to the public, nor has any other investigative material. It has surely been deposited in the memory hole to protect the populace from being contaminated.
Crackdown on Prachatai
more information ( in Thai)
http://www.sameskybooks.org/board/index.php?showtopic=26511
Crackdown on Prachatai
Today, in Bangkok, Prime Minister Abhisit gave a major speech about the need to increase press freedom in Thailand…………
———————————————–
Thai PM Abhisit commits to promote media freedom
By Jofelle P Tesorio
from: Asia News Network – March 6, 2009
Bangkok – Determined to reclaim Thailand’s position as a country that values press freedom the most in Asia, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has vowed to push for laws that provide the media the needed protection to perform its functions of serving the public.
Speaking before editors from Asian countries, media entities and guests at the 10th anniversary celebration of Asia News Network (ANN) at the Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok, this morning (March 6), Abhisit said proposed liberal media laws are underway.
ANN is an alliance of 20 newspapers in 17 countries and the biggest media alliance worldwide in terms of readership.
Among the laws being prepared are the amendment of the official information law, which will make information more accessible to the public; the enactment of the law on the protection of media professionals and a policy on regulating the electronic media.
“Ten years ago, when Thailand looked at the freedom of the media table, we were right up there among the best. We used to claim that we were the region’s best in terms of providing freedom for the media. These days, we look at the countries below us because we have fallen down and slipped down in this media table of freedom considerably in the last decade,” he said.
The Prime Minister lamented that there have been a decline on the relationship between the media and the government. Journalists often find themselves at odds with government officials.
“I have every intention to reverse that trend,” he said.
With regard to the les majeste law, which provides criminal liability for criticising and attacking the monarchy of Thailand, Abhisit explained that this specific law has been in existence for a long time and he was “not sure” that this was the reason for media freedom decline.
“The principle for this law, I don’t think in itself, violates the principle of freedom of expression…The problem in recent past is that because there have been attempts to bring the monarchy down into the political context…”
“I’m aware of the problem. We will try to clarify the way how this law will be enforced,” he said.
Talking like a journalist in front of mostly media editors and practitioners, Abhisit noticed the challenges the technology poses to mainstream media.
“We live in very challenging times… But also you also live through times where there will be new challenges in the thing that you do, particularly in technology,” he says.
Abhisit also challenged media practitioners in Asia to retain readership among the young people as they are the more adept to technology.
“They are the first and quickest to report on technological changes and unless we are able to retain their readership… and of course the print media industry will also be threatened and also might even face decline,” he said.
Abhisit also tackled technology, which has been blurring the lines between consumers and journalists.
“We are not talking about just consumers in this day in age when we talk about the Internet. The line between producers and consumers has been blurred and that’s also true as far as news services and journalism is concerned because with blogs, with individual websites, with this technology, anybody can now claim to also be a reporter and a journalist. And a considerable challenge for you to demonstrate, there is still need professionalism with the things that you do. And by keeping up a with standards and ensuring the quality of your news and reports, that is the only to say no to people who aspire to be journalists and reporters by using the Internet without having the necessary qualification or knowledge or even ethical standards.”
“While the Internet and the electronic media provide further opportunities, they also bring on fresh and formidable challenges.”
The Prime Minister also touched on his speech various issues facing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) of which Thailand is the chairman. Fresh from hosting the Asean Summit, he said members of the regional grouping have reaffirmed the Asean community by 2015.
The grouping, he mentioned, is committed to seek the full participation of the civil society and the need to engage the people.
Asians, he said, should have more awareness as “Asian citizens and find common purpose to fully tap the potential of this region”.
Crackdown on Prachatai
It has been suggested that perhaps the real reason behind this raid is
that the police want to get hold of a certain webboard user, hence the
explanation for why the Computer Crime law was used – not the
infamous Lese Majeste – and the fact that only Ms. Chiranuch, who’s
the webboard administrator, is arrested.
ANyway, I have no clue how to deal with this. Any protest wont turn
out fruitful, you know the Thai media.
What happened on 7/10/2008?
Portman said: …struck by the explosive component of the tear gas grenades used by police that were design to explode on impact in order to maim and kill in addition to releasing gas..
I’m no expert on riot control agent agents, but I have never heard of tear gas weapons designed to deliberately maim and kill.
Can you point us to a reference on that? I’m sure many readers would like to know what sort of company would manufacture such a noxious weapon. Perhaps you can lead the campaign to sanction such an anti-social enterprise.
Oh, and while you are at at, can you tell us what your expert to end all arguments, Dr. Pornthip, had to say about the guy who got blown up in the jeep? Surely his death was of concern to her (and you)? I would really like to know.
International scholars call for reform of Thailand’s lese majeste law
I forgot to tell you one thing. The king has actually open for criticism. If you have followed the news about this, you would have known that.
And if you those who missed it, wikipedia has a very well information about King Bhumipol and LM law, please follow the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhumibol_Adulyadej
you might find something a bit more informative than my personal opinion.
International scholars call for reform of Thailand’s lese majeste law
Dear Susie Wong,
How well do you know about this Jakrapob Penkair? Well do some research, the story has two side. You might change your mind about this man.
Dear Joy,
Didn’t I mention that Harry Nicolaides got released last month? So you are saying that isn’t a fair deal he’s got. Almost every convict were released after the supreme court has ruled out their sentence. Why? Isn’t it because of LM law that give Thai King some sort of power to rule out a royal pardon to anyone that he see it fit.
It might look like that LM was unfair to westerners but it is the law of Thailand. You go into their country, then obey their laws. It’s the law that majority of people has voted and accepted it.
Talking about unfair trial, you are saying that in Quantanamo bay detention camp, every prisoner has a very fair trial? Some of prisoners there were put in jailed without being convicted. Some of them were humiliated, tortured or even killed. What kind of human right is that? I believe that every person who is convicted under LM law will have 100% chance to survive than being convicted under you don’t even know what charge in Quantanamo bay detention camp.
Dear Frank G Anderson,
I understand your point of view about exercising your right of freedom. But if you have readed Wukong’s comment about why LM law exist, you might understand a bit more. As of me being a Thai who is completely sane and educated, I don’t see what is so wrong about LM law. We love our King, and we don’t want anyone to bad mouth him. So we have created a law to protect him. The law is accepted by people of Thailand. Smell the roses of responsibility? mmm I’m more like smell the roses of privacy. Thank you.
Dear DoctorJ,
Yes, I have read the letter. But I also agreed with Ralph Kramden’s comment
“The letter is a compromise. I am sure that some of those who signed the letter would prefer that the LM law be abolished.” just in case you have missed this comment.
Also, I have admired that prof. Thongchai has done such an enormous thing to stood against those brutal right-wing military. But what is he doing now for the country apart from creating a controversy against his own mother land? Living in US and working for a US company earning and living and i assume he’s willing to die there.
Let me remind you DoctorJ, King Bhumipol has 7000 projects he has invented to help his people in his country. He dedicated his whole life to work for 65 million people of Thailand, and he doesn’t get paid for it. For more than 60 years that he’s been in power. He had quietly fought with those communists who tried so hard to take over the country, to protect his people. What is so bad about this person, what has he done so bad that for you all to criticise him.
Dear all of you,
Thailand is an very open-mind country comparing with many other countries in the world. We has accepted and changed many things in the past to suit those westerners who completely sane and think that they have right to everything. The only thing we have asked you not to talk about it is about our King. You might not understand why? But believe me, it’s a simply unconditional love that we have to our King you will never understand.
Best Regards,
Taro Mongkoltip
“Nothing wrong with the lese majeste law”
jonfernquest asked: Is lese majeste a popular law? Answer that question first.
No, it’s not, IMHO. Do you have evidence to the contrary?
What’s exactly is your problem with petitioning? The various Thaksin-haters and curmudgeons and ruling class mucky-mucks already have labeled electoral democracy as flawed. Now you want to badmouth petitioning (which of course is part of a very old and ballyhooed Thai historical tradition).
What exactly is your bottom line on what dissenters should be allowed to do? Have seditious dreams?
Report on “Lèse Majesté in Thailand: The Enemy of Democracy”
Prasit said:: A person’s family rights, dignity, reputation or the right of privacy shall be protected.
The assertion or circulation of a statement or picture in any manner whatsoever to the public, which violates or affects a person’s family rights, dignity, reputation or the right of privacy, shall not be made except for the case which is beneficial to the public..
——————————————————————————-
Apparently then, Manager and its online version, which contain more personal attacks and slanders in a week than Ji could possibly manage in a lifetime, are violating the constitution every day.
Agreed?