Laws to protect Thai royalty stifle discourse
Recent high-profile lèse-majesté cases have made examples of those who have criticized the monarchy.
from the April 4, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
Sulak, a British-educated lawyer and Buddhist scholar, is facing two separate lèse-majesté cases over articles published in academic journals. He denies showing disrespect, though he says he advocates a modernization of the crown similar to that of European royalty, and the repeal of lèse-majesté laws, so that the institution remains relevant to Thailand.
US-born Bhumibol himself discussed lèse-majesté in a speech in 2005, saying that constructive criticism could be useful for a monarch. Observers say that the laws are frequently invoked by politicians to attack opponents, such as the cases filed against Thaksin, who is currently living in exile. His rival Sondhi Limthongkul, a publisher, is also facing several lèse-majesté investigations over his public speeches.
But there's little appetite here to challenge the orthodoxy behind the laws, says Thanapol Eawsakul, editor of "Fah Diew Gan" (Same Skies), a leftist quarterly. He was questioned last year by police after lèse-majesté charges were filed over an issue, later suppressed, exploring the powers of the king.
"They can't loosen up now just because Bhumibol has a great reputation. What is monarchy but an institution based on a family dynasty?" says Paul Handley, US author of "The King Never Smiles," a critical biography of Bhumibol that's banned in Thailand.
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