Lese Majeste Law 'needs' Overhual

Lese majeste law 'needs' overhual

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should seek royal advice on changing the lese majeste law following the slew of cases in recent months, says social critic Sulak Sivaraksa.

"There is a chance to change the law but the government must have moral courage,'' said Mr Sulak, 76, who faces a lese majeste charge that may be officially lodged with the Attorney-General later this month.

"They need to go to the King and Royal Secretariat and ask what can be done,'' Mr Sulak said.

Mr Sulak was arrested in November on charges of insulting the monarchy in a speech he delivered at Khon Kaen University on Dec 10, 2007.

The social commentator is one of several people charged in recent months with lese majeste, a crime which carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence and a minimum of three years' imprisonment.

The lese majeste law has been in place since it was passed under a military regime in 1956.

Mr Abhisit has backed the legislation as a stabilising force.

He said his government would "uphold the law, but we must not allow people to interpret the law too liberally and abuse the law''.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-02-11

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