Nine Anti-coup Leaders Detained

[sriracha john]

The difference being that Put Da Torpedo Between My Legs used the worst possible language. If she, if I may be allowed to use that pronoun, was out and about in public, I would think there's any number of people who would kill her.

btw, Samak has many more legal cases than Sondhi.

as for the Wrestlemania cage match... I think it'd be Thaksin quickly tapping out before anyone even lays a hand on him and then cowering in the corner on the floor while Sondhi is declared the winner by default after Samak has a coronary.

[Tony Clifton]

Court refuses to grant Da Torpedo bail

The Court of Appeals refused to grant Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul, alas Da Torpedo, bail on Thursday. Daranee, a member of the pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, was arrested on charges of committing lese majeste in a recent speech she gave at Sanam Luang. The court refused to give her bail because the case is sensitive and her crime is

In the meantime, our friend Jakaprob is walking free on bail while charged under the same crime no?

Er...as is Sondhi isn't he or has that now been dropped? I wonder what's in common between Sondhi and Jakropob that differs from Da Torpedo...srj was almost right.

On a slight tangent, it must be a fairly close-run thing as to how much potential jail time both Sondhi and Samak are facing pending their various appeals and upcoming charges. Anyone care to add them up? Wonder what'd happen if they and Thaksin were sharing the same cell...

I believe Sondhi was charged for broadcasting Da Torpedoe's performance on air, thus commiting Lese Majesté even though he completely disagrees with what she said at the time. As for Jakaprob, he meant what he said BOTH TIMES at the Foreign Correspondents Club and over in the U.S., no denying it, especially with the arrogant facial contortions that accompanied his words.

[Meerkat]

I believe Sondhi was charged for broadcasting Da Torpedoe's performance on air, thus commiting Lese Majesté even though he completely disagrees with what she said at the time. As for Jakaprob, he meant what he said BOTH TIMES at the Foreign Correspondents Club and over in the U.S., no denying it, especially with the arrogant facial contortions that accompanied his words.

I wasn't referring to the LM cases themselves (indeed I wouldn't dare - but I read loud and clear your implication of Sondhi's innocence and Jakaprob's guilt), but to the fact that both of those freed on bail for the charges are rich and well connected, whilst the one who is on remand isn't, which is why I alluded to srj's earlier take on the situation as almost right:

she is a nobody with no wealthy, influential or aristocratic family background and it's one rule for one and another rule for the ruling elite

The "almost" being that one might scrub out the word "ruling" for perhaps a more accurate assessment of the even-handedness of justice.

[sriracha john]

I wasn't referring to the LM cases themselves (indeed I wouldn't dare - but I read loud and clear your implication of Sondhi's innocence and Jakaprob's guilt), but to the fact that both of those freed on bail for the charges are rich and well connected, whilst the one who is on remand isn't, which is why I alluded to srj's earlier take on the situation as almost right:

she is a nobody with no wealthy, influential or aristocratic family background and it's one rule for one and another rule for the ruling elite

The "almost" being that one might scrub out the word "ruling" for perhaps a more accurate assessment of the even-handedness of justice.

Actually that quote was a redded-text additional comment by briggsy on a news article I posted.

My position was the reason for her bail refusal had more to do with the severity of her words compared to any other person accused of LM, rather than her position in life. That and the potentially lethal consequences of allowing her out into public.

[younghusband]

I wasn't referring to the LM cases themselves (indeed I wouldn't dare - but I read loud and clear your implication of Sondhi's innocence and Jakaprob's guilt), but to the fact that both of those freed on bail for the charges are rich and well connected, whilst the one who is on remand isn't, which is why I alluded to srj's earlier take on the situation as almost right:

she is a nobody with no wealthy, influential or aristocratic family background and it's one rule for one and another rule for the ruling elite

The "almost" being that one might scrub out the word "ruling" for perhaps a more accurate assessment of the even-handedness of justice.

Actually that quote was a redded-text additional comment by briggsy on a news article I posted.

My position was the reason for her bail refusal had more to do with the severity of her words compared to any other person accused of LM, rather than her position in life. That and the potentially lethal consequences of allowing her out into public.

She seems to be a very silly woman, but it's the LM law that is the real scandal, along with the third rate opportunists that exploit it for a political agenda whether on this forum or in the political sphere, the latest being a creepy PPP MP.

[hammered]

I suspect that apart from her political opponents the government also do not want the Torpedo out. She is abit of a loose cannon. She is seen as a government supporter. The opposition to LM law has broken into the open with the Triumph and not standing things and the T-shirt wearing. It is also by and large done by people who support or are identified with PPP. It is not somethng though that is palatable to traditional Thais right now including a huge number of the the PPP's up country supporters. Expect the torpedo to be kept incarcerated and fopr action to be taken against government supporters and oppnents alike on this.

Also if some deal involving lumps of the PPP and the Dems and Samak is going to be done it will also be based around loyalty to traditional institutions and expect any republican elements in the PPP to be sacrificed staright away if they dont stay quiet. The PAD could well also be sacrificed in this scenario.

[sriracha john]

Democrats: Government show should be removed

Deputy Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit asked the prime minister and the director-general of the Public Relations Department, who oversees the operation of NBT to re-consider the license of "The Truth Today," a program hosted by former leaders of the anti-coup movement.

The program, currently aired on NBT, is hosted by PPP Bangkok MP Jatuporn Prompan, Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikeur, and former anti-coup movement leader Veera Musikapong.

Jurin questioned whether the program's content is appropriate, as the hosts usually serve as the government's mouthpiece by providing one-sided information and attacking other agencies, such as independent organizations and the Democrat party, without allowing them to respond.

He said if the government and the PRD allow this program to continue, the show hosts should provide equal amount of time for relevant parties to respond so the public can get well-rounded information.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP Boonyord Suktinthai called for the Minister attached to the PM's Office, Choosak Sirinil, who oversees the PRD, to examine whether the use of state media has been objective.

He also asked the PRD to investigate the stake-holding of the program hosts to see whether it could cause any conflict of interest.

Yesterday, Senator Reungkrai Leekitwattana revealed that the stake-holding of the company the produces the program is skeptical.

He pointed out that every host was found to have 100,000 stakes, with a total value of 10 Million Baht, in the company, and questioned how the hosts obtained such hefty funds.

The senator also called for the hosts to declare their financial background in the program and asked relevant authorities to investigate whether the hosts' tax payments have been in accord with their actual revenue.

- Thailand Outlook

with an amplying post from another thread:

Senator scrutinising MPs' investments

Appointed senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana said yesterday that he was scrutinizing a number of government politicians, including Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, over their investments and wealth.

Ruangkrai told a press conference that he and 18 other Senators had written to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet requesting a Constitution Court ruling whether Surapong and his wife were over the legal limit on shareholdings. He noted that Surapong's wife had interests in 10 legal entities.

Ruangkrai said he would also look into the financial reports filed by government politicians Nattawut Saikua, Jakrapob Penkair, Jatuporn Phromphan, and Veera Musigapong, who each hold shares worth 10 Million Baht in Puean Phong Nong Phi, the company which produces a pro-government program on the state-run NBT channel.

Ruangkrai said he was investigating the source of funds for those investments and seeking information from the Department of Revenue about the investors' tax records.

He will also look into the financial report of People Power Party MP Worawat Uaapinyakul, who is Deputy Chairman of the House committee deliberating the 2009 Budget Bill. In his financial report filed with the National Counter Corruption Commission, Ruangkrai says, the MP mentions that he lent more than 4 Million Baht to 104 people.

The Senator said he would try to find out whether such loans were lawful, as it was illegal for an individual to offer loans like a commercial bank.

- The Nation

Edited August 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Democrats: Government show should be removed

Deputy Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit asked the prime minister and the director-general of the Public Relations Department, who oversees the operation of NBT to re-consider the license of "The Truth Today," a program hosted by former leaders of the anti-coup movement.

The program, currently aired on NBT, is hosted by PPP Bangkok MP Jatuporn Prompan, Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikeur, and former anti-coup movement leader Veera Musikapong.

Jurin questioned whether the program's content is appropriate, as the hosts usually serve as the government's mouthpiece by providing one-sided information and attacking other agencies, such as independent organizations and the Democrat party, without allowing them to respond.

He said if the government and the PRD allow this program to continue, the show hosts should provide equal amount of time for relevant parties to respond so the public can get well-rounded information.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP Boonyord Suktinthai called for the Minister attached to the PM's Office, Choosak Sirinil, who oversees the PRD, to examine whether the use of state media has been objective.

He also asked the PRD to investigate the stake-holding of the program hosts to see whether it could cause any conflict of interest.

Yesterday, Senator Reungkrai Leekitwattana revealed that the stake-holding of the company the produces the program is skeptical.

He pointed out that every host was found to have 100,000 stakes, with a total value of 10 Million Baht, in the company, and questioned how the hosts obtained such hefty funds.

The senator also called for the hosts to declare their financial background in the program and asked relevant authorities to investigate whether the hosts' tax payments have been in accord with their actual revenue.

- Thailand Outlook

with an amplying post from another thread:

Senator scrutinising MPs' investments

Appointed senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana said yesterday that he was scrutinizing a number of government politicians, including Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee, over their investments and wealth.

Ruangkrai told a press conference that he and 18 other Senators had written to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet requesting a Constitution Court ruling whether Surapong and his wife were over the legal limit on shareholdings. He noted that Surapong's wife had interests in 10 legal entities.

Ruangkrai said he would also look into the financial reports filed by government politicians Nattawut Saikua, Jakrapob Penkair, Jatuporn Phromphan, and Veera Musigapong, who each hold shares worth 10 Million Baht in Puean Phong Nong Phi, the company which produces a pro-government program on the state-run NBT channel.

Ruangkrai said he was investigating the source of funds for those investments and seeking information from the Department of Revenue about the investors' tax records.

He will also look into the financial report of People Power Party MP Worawat Uaapinyakul, who is Deputy Chairman of the House committee deliberating the 2009 Budget Bill. In his financial report filed with the National Counter Corruption Commission, Ruangkrai says, the MP mentions that he lent more than 4 Million Baht to 104 people.

The Senator said he would try to find out whether such loans were lawful, as it was illegal for an individual to offer loans like a commercial bank.

- The Nation

Equal airtime and at a similar time block is a reasonable request. However, this is unliley to be accepted. Governments of any kind just love to use propoganda and control of information is control of power in modern society.

I am not sure of the constitutionality of government using media for propoganda purposes, but there may be an opportunity to stem this insidious practice there.

If government supporters want to run TV programs they would be well served by setting up thei own equivalent of ASTV at their own expense and staying clear of any state or national TV.

[sriracha john]

and soon, they'll be even MORE of the government-funded rhetoric available... 24/7...

In the interim, it'll be interesting to see if anything develops from the money angle of the riot gang leader guys running the other NBT show....

Parliament TV, radio plan defended

Will broadcast 24 hours, but be 'neutral'

A senior parliamentary official yesterday allayed fears that parliament's radio and satellite-based television station, expected to broadcast 24 hours a day from early next year, will become another government mouthpiece. Khamphee Ditthakorn, Deputy Secretary-General of the House of Representatives, said the parliamentary broadcasts will be politically neutral and allow all parties to give their side. Parliament's radio and satellite-based television station broadcasts from 5am to 10pm. The current broadcast area covers about 20% of the country. Under the 24-hour plan, the broadcasts would cover 70% of the country. The station is expanding its broadcasting network by seeking cooperation from local cable operators who will be allowed to pick up the signal. Khamphee added the station is also considering whether it is capable of producing its own programs. NBT, formerly Channel 11, is widely seen as a tool by the government to attack its opponents, especially since the Khwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth of Today) program co-hosted by former TRT Party executive Veera Musikapong was introduced. Khamphee said the 24-hour operation is expected to begin next January. The station hopes to get a 349 Million Baht budget to purchase equipment. Deputy House Speaker and Board Chairman of parliament's radio and television station Apiwan Wiriyachai said the content will be improved to make them less academic and more appealing.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/100808_News/10Aug2008_news13.php

Edited August 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

I suspect that apart from her political opponents the government also do not want the Torpedo out. She is abit of a loose cannon. She is seen as a government supporter. The opposition to LM law has broken into the open with the Triumph and not standing things and the T-shirt wearing. It is also by and large done by people who support or are identified with PPP. It is not somethng though that is palatable to traditional Thais right now including a huge number of the the PPP's up country supporters. Expect the torpedo to be kept incarcerated and fopr action to be taken against government supporters and oppnents alike on this.

Also if some deal involving lumps of the PPP and the Dems and Samak is going to be done it will also be based around loyalty to traditional institutions and expect any republican elements in the PPP to be sacrificed staright away if they dont stay quiet. The PAD could well also be sacrificed in this scenario.

Hammered,

I think opposition to the LM law is much more widespread in Thailand than you suggest, ie not confined to the lunatic fringe who have made headlines recently, and I would suggest forms the majority view among the well educated middle class.I must stress this concern has absolutely nothing to do with any diminished reverence and affection for the current monarch, but more to do with the politicians who abuse the LM law for non-related political purposes, and I suppose a more nebulous concern about the future.

[sriracha john]

I would suggest forms the majority view among the well educated middle class.

That's diametrically opposed to my experiences, but as is common in Thailand, your mileage may vary.

[younghusband]

I would suggest forms the majority view among the well educated middle class.

That's diametrically opposed to my experiences, but as is common in Thailand, your mileage may vary.

It's very subjective I agree and of course given the subject matter it's not something that I tend to initiate a discussion about.However it's my impression the well educated minority are all too aware the LM law gives knaves the opportunity to make mischief, and ultimately to risk damaging the institution most Thais definitely revere.

There, we had a rational exchange.It can happen!

[hammered]

I suspect that apart from her political opponents the government also do not want the Torpedo out. She is abit of a loose cannon. She is seen as a government supporter. The opposition to LM law has broken into the open with the Triumph and not standing things and the T-shirt wearing. It is also by and large done by people who support or are identified with PPP. It is not somethng though that is palatable to traditional Thais right now including a huge number of the the PPP's up country supporters. Expect the torpedo to be kept incarcerated and fopr action to be taken against government supporters and oppnents alike on this.

Also if some deal involving lumps of the PPP and the Dems and Samak is going to be done it will also be based around loyalty to traditional institutions and expect any republican elements in the PPP to be sacrificed staright away if they dont stay quiet. The PAD could well also be sacrificed in this scenario.

Hammered,

I think opposition to the LM law is much more widespread in Thailand than you suggest, ie not confined to the lunatic fringe who have made headlines recently, and I would suggest forms the majority view among the well educated middle class.I must stress this concern has absolutely nothing to do with any diminished reverence and affection for the current monarch, but more to do with the politicians who abuse the LM law for non-related political purposes, and I suppose a more nebulous concern about the future.

I dont disagree about the educated may not favour this law my point was more about how opposition seens as against the institution was not accptable. Of course opposition to the law can be spun that way. I havent persoanlly discussed this with many Thai people for quite obvious reasons but suspect at least how the law is used by all and sundry in the politcal arena is not to the liking of a lot, which may or may not also be reflecte in support for the law but as I said earlier my main point was really about how opposition real or imagined to an institution is not going to be acceptable to many especially in the rurual heartlands at this point in history.

[sriracha john]

Nattawut and Jatuporn and Veera and Jakrapob

Questions raised over TV hosts' assets

Senator Ruangkrai Leekijwattana voiced suspicion yesterday over where the three hosts of "The Truth of Today" program got millions of baht to buy shares in a private company.

Ruangkrai questioned how Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikua, People Power Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, and Veera Musikapong had the money to buy shares in Puan Pong Nong Pi Co Ltd.

He said an official document listing the company shareholders dated April 2007 showed that Nattawut held 200,000 shares worth 20 Million Baht, Jatuporn held 100,000 shares worth 10 Million Baht, and Veera held 100,000 shares worth 10 Million Baht in the company.

He asked where the three got the money to own these shares.

He had found that in April and June, Nattawut sold 100,000 shares worth 10 Million Baht to former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair. But Jakrapob only declared assets totalling 9 Million Baht in his formal declaration, he said. Ruangkrai asked where the 10 Million Baht Jakrapob used to buy the shares came from.

The Senator also said that from June to October before the Dec 23 general election, Nattawut, Jatuporn, and Jakrapob sold 100,000 shares each or 10 Million Baht each. He asked if the money was used for the election campaign and if they had reported that to the Election Commission in how much they spent on their campaigns. Election laws ban candidates from spending more than 1.5 Million Baht each on their campaign.

The assets declaration of Jatuporn submitted to the National Counter Corruption Commission on January 22 showed he had 5.3 Million Baht in assets after debts were accounted for.

- The Nation / August 15, 2008

[sriracha john]

Senator: Former PM's Office Minister Failed to Report All Assets

A Senator has unveiled a suspicious move by the former Prime Minister's Office Minister involving holding shares in a company that produced a pro-government TV show on NBT. The share-holding was not reported to the National Counter Corruption Commission.

Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana disclosed additional evidence about the shareholder of Phuanphong Nongphee Company, the producer of the government-hosted TV program, Kwam Jing Wannee" or "Today's Truth" on NBT.

According to the company's shareholder information as of April 30th, 2007, he said that Deputy Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikua holds 200,000 shares in the company totalling 20 million baht, while party-list MP from People Power Party, Jatuporn Promphan and a Party executive of the former Thai Rak Thai Party, Veera Musikapong hold 100,000 shares totalling ten million baht each. All were members of the pro-Thaksin Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship.

Ruangkrai wondered about the source of income the three used for the share procurement valued at 30 million baht.

He added that Deputy Government Spokesman Nattawut sold 100,000 of shares worth ten million baht to former Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on June 4th, 2007.

However, in accordance with the asset declaration to the National Counter Corruption Commission, it has been discovered that Jakrapob has assets totaling nine million baht.

Ruangkrai is also suspicious about the share transfers of all the company's equity holders to other individuals during the general election period between October 31st of 2007 and January 15th of 2008.

- Thailand Outlook / 081408

[sriracha john]

Call for check on TV hosts' assets

A Senator called yesterday for a graft probe, claiming two pro-government TV-show hosts had concealed assets.

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana urged the National Counter Corruption Commission to launch an inquiry into asset declarations by Deputy Government Spokesman Natthawut Saikua and PPP MP Jatuporn Phrompan.

Natthawut and Jatuporn are co-hosts for the nightly talk show "Today's Truth" aired by NBT Channel.

Ruangkrai said the two had suspicious financial transactions which were not declared in their respective asset statements.

A few months before the two assumed office, Natthawut had a 20-Million Baht deposit and Jatuporn had 10-Million Baht in their respective bank accounts, but they did not declare the funds to the NCCC, he said.

Ruangkrai said he checked for discrepancies with public records, including the two's asset statements posted on the NCCC website.

- The Nation / today

[sriracha john]

More problems for the gang...

Nattawut and Jatuporn and Veera and Jakrapob

Warrant for Veera

The Criminal Court yesterday approved a warrant for the arrest of politician and television host [and Banned Thai Rak Thai Party Exectutive] Veera Musikapong on lese majeste charges. The warrant was sought by Chanasongkhram police investigators in connection with Veera's speech on May 6 last year at a pro-Thaksin Shinawatra United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rally. Police deemed Veera's rally speech as insulting to the monarchy. The court found that there were grounds to grant the warrant and asked police to report to the court within seven days after the arrest is

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/210808_News/21Aug2008_news23.php

==============================================================================

Veera hit for lese majeste

The Criminal Court has approved an arrest warrant for anti-coup activist Veera Musigapong to face a charge of lese majeste after a request from Chana Songkhram police.

Police have accused Veera of making remarks offensive to the monarchy during a speech made to a rally at Sanam Luang in May last year.

Police were able to issue an arrest warrant without having to summon Veera because he faces a criminal charge which carries a possible penalty of more than three years in jail.

A source said Veera reported to police on Sunday to pre-empt a warrant being served on arrest him.

After being booked, Veera was granted bail pending the completion of police report. [People Power Party] MP Jatuporn Phrompan [also pictured above] used his position to secure Veera's release from custody.

- The Nation / Aug. 21, 2008

[Tony Clifton]

Zombies, what won't they do for their cowardly master and his criminal wife both on the run from justice.

[jumnien]

Zombies, what won't they do for their cowardly master and his criminal wife both on the run from justice.

We all believe that Thaksin is running; very few actually believe he is running from any semblance of justice. The tentacles of the PAD go deep, possibly far too deep to root out. The danger is not to Thaksin, he'll be fine. The victim is the Thai people, their dignity and their democracy.

[Tony Clifton]

Zombies, what won't they do for their cowardly master and his criminal wife both on the run from justice.

We all believe that Thaksin is running; very few actually believe he is running from any semblance of justice. The tentacles of the PAD go deep, possibly far too deep to root out. The danger is not to Thaksin, he'll be fine. The victim is the Thai people, their dignity and their democracy.

[jumnien]

Top Awards for Attention-seeking behavior! Tony, you're the best!

Edited August 21, 2008 by sunrise07

[sriracha john]

As a result of the previous election, many PTV executives have been appointed as members of Parliament and ministers such as the former PM's Office Minister, Jakrapob Penkair, who recently faced a lese majeste charge for his speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand last year.

The PTV group ceased broadcast from March 30th onward.

The facial contortionist extraordinaire Jakrapob today on the way to getting processed today.

Jakrapob Denies Lese Majeste Charge in Meeting with Police

After two weeks of delay in hearing the charge of lese majeste, former PM’s Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair finally reported to the police this morning.

UPDATE...after no progress with the previous government, his case is finally being processed...

Jakrapob under the prosecution custody on lese majeste charge

Former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair yesterday reported to public prosecutors to face indictments relating to his remarks deemed offensive to the monarchy on August 2007.

Police have completed the report recommending the prosecution of Jakrapob on a key charge for violating Article 112 of the Criminal Code and placed the suspect under the custody of the Office of the Attorney General during the pre-trial preparations.

If found guilty, Jakrapob will face a prison term ranging from three to 15 years.

He has been accused of offending the monarchy when he made a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. At the time he was an anti-coup activist.

- The Nation / 2009-01-13

[cmsally]

Strange with the new "Democrat" govt. that we have so many of these cases being processed. As well as Jonathan Head, Giles Ungkaporn has had a LM charge against him and has to report to Pathumwan police station 20 Jan. Both cases were filed by police but a different officer.

I would find it rather sad if these cases are condoned by any foreigner who mostly come from societies where free speech is the norm. One wonders if making one of these charges is seen as some kind of brownie point system in the police force putting them in line for promotion or whatever. A sad state of affairs.

[sriracha john]

As a foreigner, I can easily see the importance of following the rules and laws of another country. It's also not difficult at all for me to differentiate between "free speech" (in whatever convoluted form it represents elsewhere) and lese majeste.

I have to hand it to Australia's Foreign Minister for attempting to set his countrymen straight after the latest incident involving one of them in a foreign country.

Australia won't intervene as woman held in Kuwait for Emir 'insult'

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said today that Australians travelling overseas should remember they are bound by the laws of the country they are visiting.

Mr Smith said legal advice was being provided to the family members but that he would not personally intervene. "Australians need to comply with the laws of the country they are visiting ... [but] there's always a limit to the assistance we can provide."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/emir-w...1608677664.html

[hammered]

Strange with the new "Democrat" govt. that we have so many of these cases being processed. As well as Jonathan Head, Giles Ungkaporn has had a LM charge against him and has to report to Pathumwan police station 20 Jan. Both cases were filed by police but a different officer.

I would find it rather sad if these cases are condoned by any foreigner who mostly come from societies where free speech is the norm. One wonders if making one of these charges is seen as some kind of brownie point system in the police force putting them in line for promotion or whatever. A sad state of affairs.

All recent governments have had a litany of these cherges going on. A rather famous social critic was targetted while Somchai was in power. It is one thing they all seem to agree on. There are also in Thailand always people willing to bring these charges and few stand in their way. No government is going to try and stop the charges as that would open them to accusations that could wreck their popularity with ordinary people and any oppositon would seize on it. However, prosecutors under a government will tend to go slow on the case of government favoured people which will vary depending on who is in government. This is all in the contest of bigger issues of how the polity and authorities exist within the country/state in reality.

I would say that while most western countries allow more freedom of speech than Thailand that none actually allow true freedom of speech. However, that is another matter.

[Samuian]

As a foreigner, I can easily see the importance of following the rules and laws of another country. It's also not difficult at all for me to differentiate between "free speech" (in whatever convoluted form it represents elsewhere) and lese majeste.

I have to hand it to Australia's Foreign Minister for attempting to set his countrymen straight after the latest incident involving one of them in a foreign country.

Australia won't intervene as woman held in Kuwait for Emir 'insult'

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said today that Australians travelling overseas should remember they are bound by the laws of the country they are visiting.

Mr Smith said legal advice was being provided to the family members but that he would not personally intervene. "Australians need to comply with the laws of the country they are visiting ... [but] there's always a limit to the assistance we can provide."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/emir-w...1608677664.html

Not only Australiens, EVERY Citizen of the Plaents nations should abode by the existing laws, especially if there are laws which aren't common in the "western world"!

It's the same with Drugs in some countries, sexual misconduct in others... "didn't know - doesn't work"!

Nobody "condones" anything in this case, it's simply rude and ignorant not to abide to laws which are the rule in a certain country!

[cmsally]

Protect the King website

You don't find something such as the above slightly disturbing?

It reeks of the histories of certain nearby Asian countries.

There is nothing comparable in any developed Western nation and where there are issues over free speech, there is at least enough of an opposition or pressure group to provide some checks. Here you have a case of laws being used to tread on opposition and no one dare to stand up and push for more freedom because of the nature of the law.

[Journalist]

Still yapping about the monarchy and surrounding legal issues, I see. I would have thought with the developments last week giving every website fair warning, more prudence is required......

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Vow...ls-t234764.html

This is not just an internal 'rules for rules sake' regulation anymore. This is a national security issue that could get a site summarily shuttered with no right of appeal.

[sriracha john]

Protect the King website

You don't find something such as the above slightly disturbing?

It reeks of the histories of certain nearby Asian countries.

There is nothing comparable in any developed Western nation and where there are issues over free speech, there is at least enough of an opposition or pressure group to provide some checks. Here you have a case of laws being used to tread on opposition and no one dare to stand up and push for more freedom because of the nature of the law.

Tread on opposition? Opposition to what? What is so difficult to comply with lese majeste laws? Millions and millions do so every day without any difficulty whatsoever and don't feel the slightest disturbance in their lives.

Edited January 13, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Attorney-General to summon Jakrapob on Mar 5

Former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair acknowledged his lese majeste charge at the Office of the Attorney-General on Tuesday morning. He will be summoned again on March 5 at 10am. The Crime Suppression Division forwarded 980-page documents and four DVDs relating to Jakrapob's lese majeste case to the Attorney-General. Jakrapob said he will have to wait and see whether the Attorney-General will take legal action or not. According to the former minister, he will have to fight his charge in court to the end, if the Attorney-General decides to prosecute him.

Jakrapob insisted he is not guilty and he will post the information of his case on internet websites and distribute them to community radio stations as well as the media.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...krapob-on-mar-5