By Tulsathit Taptim

 

Democracy is easy when everyone is agreeable. How conflicts are dealt with, peacefully and justly, is what truly separates it from authoritarianism or anarchy. Minor conflicts producing the kind of reaction seen over the past few days in Thailand shows that the country has yet to overcome minuscule challenges in its quest for “freedom”.

 

People like Srisuwan Janya and UdomTaepanich are abundant in practically every political system. It’s coping with them that tells whether Thailand is ready for a change toward a freer society where every opinion is respected whether they are in the majority or minority, and where “offensive” thinking is handled properly.

 

If democracy was an exam, Udom would get an A minus. He was asserting his right to voice an opinion. That should have earned him a clean A, but the “minus” dent has to do with some hypocritical backgrounds where he used his stardom as an advantage to mock spiritual beliefs of other people on stage while possessing a controversial spiritual belief himself.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/udom-and-srisuwan-simply-elementary-tests/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-10-20

 

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Freedom of speech is a right here, until you say something someone doesn't like.

 

Then, for some reason, the police are tasked (via a civilian complaint) with restricting free speech.

 

What a joke.

 

Current Thai Constitution...

 

Section 34
A person shall enjoy the liberty to express opinions, make speeches, write, print,
publicise and express by other means. The restriction of such liberty shall not be
imposed, except by virtue of the provisions of law specifically enacted for the
purpose of maintaining the security of the State, protecting the rights or liberties of
other persons, maintaining public order or good morals, or protecting the health of
the people.

• Freedom of expression
Academic freedom shall be protected. However, the exercise of such freedom shall
not be contrary to the duties of the Thai people or good morals, and shall respect and
not obstruct the different views of another person.

 

 

Note that the exceptions far outweigh the basic right.

 

One could be brought up on charges for complaining about the weather.

 

 

Plenty of vague qualifications to 'Free Speech' so that action can be taken against virtually anyone.

7 minutes ago, Robin said:

Plenty of vague qualifications to 'Free Speech' so that action can be taken against virtually anyone.

Except the 'connected' guilty.

22 hours ago, Robin said:

Plenty of vague qualifications to 'Free Speech' so that action can be taken against virtually anyone.

Deformation laws are used to quell free speech or reporting.

Luckily I learned this early on.   Maybe 12-years ago.  Two stories.  One scammed people.  One did bad stuff.   People complained online, reported a FACT (yes, both convicted).   Both sued these commentors, and both won.    

 

Freedom of speech.     not same same every country.

 

Last year hear two Thais sued other Thais because of Facebook.  Won six-figure judgement.  What they said online was NOTHING compared to what a falang would write back in good ol red white and blue.  

 

I've never had a social media account under my real name.......probably never will.  why????  fake accounts, never comment even with fake accounts on Facebook.  why???????   

If Udom gets an A-, what about friend Srisuwan who has made it his lifetimes work to get anyone who does not support his own particular brand of totalitarian nationalism banged up?