Shock Over Lese-Majeste Charge Against Thammasat Historian

[Lite Beer]

Shock over lese-majeste charge against Thammasat historian

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation on Sunday.

Political activists and associates of high-profile Thammasat University historian Somsak Jiamteerasakul have reacted with shock to the lese-majeste charge filed against him.

They warned that charging one of the Kingdom's best-known critics of the lese-majeste law by using that law is "short-sighted" and will "backfire".

Vipar Daomanee, a fellow academic at Thammasat University, said: "Somsak has always been careful [in expressing himself] and the fact that the ruling class is using this law is short-sighted, blind and dictatorial."

Vipar warned that the issue would likely become "internationalised" and widen the current political division. She added that Somsak always cited detailed academic texts and facts whenever he criticised the law or the institution.

Somsak, who finished his doctoral education in Australia and enjoys a cult following among leftists, announced on Facebook yesterday that he would hold a press conference at 2pm today to discuss the charge and how it impacts his academic freedom at Thammasat University's Law Faculty.

Somsak had made a much-talked about speech on December 10 last year regarding the Thai monarchy and the Constitution. He stated on his Facebook page that the public lecture was the basis for the lese-majeste charge. Somsak could not be reached at the time of going to print.

David Streckfuss, a Khon Kaen-based expert on the lese-majeste law, who last year wrote an academic book about the controversial law, warned that the charge will eventually "backfire" against the elite.

"Striking against red-shirt leaders is one thing but striking against an academic is another," said Streckfuss, adding that Somsak and his group's approach to criticisms are "very measured".

Thanapol Eiwsakul, editor of the leftist Fah Diew Kan magazine, which published some of Somsak's articles, said the lawsuit is tantamount to harassment.

Thanapol claimed that Somsak had been receiving threatening phone calls of late and some unknown motorcyclists also drove in front of his home to harass him. "On one hand, the law is used to threaten others, now even someone like Somsak has been sued."

Although the mainstream media have ignored most of Somsak's critical speeches and writings up until now, he enjoys a large following both on and off-line through the Internet and alternative media such as Fah Diew Kan and Prachatai.com. Thanapol said the news bout Somsak being charged is already spreading fast.

On Prachatai.com, a non-profit online newspaper website, the news was announced yesterday with some praising him and others condemning him.

"Please admit your guilt," a reader posted under the pen name 'Rim Ping Lady'.

Another, using the name 'Green Lantern', wrote: "I hope your incarceration will awake tens or hundreds of thousands of people into bringing about a major change that we have long been awaiting."

-- The Nation 2011-04-24

[ib1b4]

Is this the same historian that the PAD wants removed from his position because he would not help them with the preah viheer dispute?

[Buchholz]

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (center) with Red Shirt Leaders Jatuporn and Thida

Somsak Jiamteerasakul at Red Shirt rally

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (right) with Red Shirt Surachai Sae-dan (who was previously arrested for LM)

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=444646&view=findpost&p=4235150

.

[geriatrickid]

I wonder if the people that bring these charges understand or appreciate the discomfort it can cause. (The personal statements have been published and are in the public domain ,so one can goggle for more information.) I find it disrespectful to use a law intended to protect the integrity of a unifying and revered institution, for political objectives. If folks were respectful, they'd shut their yaps and not raise the issue.This is essentially what the EC has said. I quote from the other thread;

Election Commission (EC) barring all political parties from mentioning the monarchy for electoral gains.

Edited April 24, 2011 by geriatrickid

[timekeeper]

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (center) with Red Shirt Leaders Jatuporn and Thida

Somsak Jiamteerasakul at Red Shirt rally

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (right) with Red Shirt Surachai Sae-dan (who was previously arrested for LM)

http://www.thaivisa....dpost&p=4235150

.

looks to me that if you fly with crows, you run the risk of being shot with them....................

[rreddin]

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (center) with Red Shirt Leaders Jatuporn and Thida

Somsak Jiamteerasakul at Red Shirt rally

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (right) with Red Shirt Surachai Sae-dan (who was previously arrested for LM)

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=444646&view=findpost&p=4235150

.

If you have a point, what is it?

[timekeeper]

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (center) with Red Shirt Leaders Jatuporn and Thida

Somsak Jiamteerasakul at Red Shirt rally

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (right) with Red Shirt Surachai Sae-dan (who was previously arrested for LM)

http://www.thaivisa....dpost&p=4235150

.

If you have a point, what is it?

I THINK I GOT IT!

[Buchholz]

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (center) with Red Shirt Leaders Jatuporn and Thida

Somsak Jiamteerasakul at Red Shirt rally

Somsak Jiamteerasakul (right) with Red Shirt Surachai Sae-dan (who was previously arrested for LM)

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=444646&view=findpost&p=4235150

If you have a point, what is it?

Here's one interpretation.

looks to me that if you fly with crows, you run the risk of being shot with them....................

What is yours?

"Striking against red-shirt leaders is one thing but striking against an academic is another," said Streckfuss

An additional consideration might that the lines between the two groups might not be quite as distinct as interpreted above, eg. fellow academic and sometime Red Shirt and fugitive from LM charges Giles.

[timekeeper]

I THINK I GOT IT!

I suppose you mean by this Khun Somsak's redshirt sympathies.Actually most centre and centre left Thais tend to have at least some identification with the redshirt cause, including distinguished academics like Khun Somsak.It could scarcely be otherwise given the state of Thai society and the excesses of the elite and its military backers.Thats why many millions of Thais back them and why the popular electoral mandate has been frustrated by coups, rigged constitutions, army intimidation and a "directed" judicial system

In this case Bucholz has pursued his usual smear campaign.What he's trying (admittedly not in a very intelligent way) to show is that Somsak is guilty of LM, associates with redshirts and therefore all concerned are equally guilty.Needless to say he has no evidence, and the LM law is of course widely discredited and indeed damaging to the institution it's designed top protect.That's why Abhisit is trying to reform it.

i see you have edited my post to minimise the effectiveness of my post when you responded to it

i think that's not allowed under TV rules

however frankly i prefer Bucholz's simple and effective demonstration as to where Somsak's sympathy's lie

what i do not need is it explained away by a red propagandist

you have already had to concede defeat once on another thread as you weren't up to the task

i do not see the world through red tinted glasses like you

thanks anyway but you are casting your evil seeds on stoney ground in trying to convert me.......

Edited April 24, 2011 by timekeeper

[Emptyset]

It won't be the first time Somsak Jeamteerasakul has been charged with lesse majeste. He was one of the 'Thammasat 18' that spent two years in jail for being one of the key organizers of the student protests circa October 76. I believe they were charged with LM and sedition. The government at the time, headed by Thanin, wanted to have them executed. Fortunately there was a coup, whereupon a more moderate government took charge and released them.

Many here will probably share Somsak's opinion of Jatuporn (despite the picture above): "Jatuporn is largely a lightweight fool who has been thrusted into prominence because others, more intelligent than he, had been unjustly banned from politics." At least that's what he said on New Mandala, where he's a semi-regular commentator.

[robblok]

I am anti red may they loose big time in the elections. But just being a red shirt does not make him guilty of LM. In a proper country it would be ok to comment on the issue and voice some criticism about it.

But i have to be honest if this it the way the Democrats work when they have to win i am ok with it it. Anything to prohibit Taksins return. It is not as if the red fight fair with all their lies and brainwashing of people up North.

[whybother]

I am anti red may they loose big time in the elections. But just being a red shirt does not make him guilty of LM. In a proper country it would be ok to comment on the issue and voice some criticism about it.

But i have to be honest if this it the way the Democrats work when they have to win i am ok with it it. Anything to prohibit Taksins return. It is not as if the red fight fair with all their lies and brainwashing of people up North.

IS it the way that the Democrats work?

Or is it the way that the law works?

How are the Democrats involved in this?

[asiawatcher]

Most Law is an ass and even more so this LM edict. Anyone who wishes to create 'problems' against another in Thailand simply just needs to level a complaint under LM and the police HAVE to investigate. What a croc... In a country as lawless as Thailand with a bunch of rules that can easily be misinterpreted and bent to suit, this is all the more ludicrous.

[Buchholz]

I THINK I GOT IT!

What he's trying

- inflammatory rhetoric snipped -

to show is that Somsak is guilty of LM

Now there's another interpretation, but I'm not sure how the photos show that.

associates with redshirts

That's better, it does show that.

and therefore all concerned are equally guilty.

oops, we're back to an interpretation that I'm not sure how the photos show that.

[zzaa09]

It won't be the first time Somsak Jeamteerasakul has been charged with lesse majeste. He was one of the 'Thammasat 18' that spent two years in jail for being one of the key organizers of the student protests circa October 76. I believe they were charged with LM and sedition. The government at the time, headed by Thanin, wanted to have them executed. Fortunately there was a coup, whereupon a more moderate government took charge and released them.

Many here will probably share Somsak's opinion of Jatuporn (despite the picture above): "Jatuporn is largely a lightweight fool who has been thrusted into prominence because others, more intelligent than he, had been unjustly banned from politics." At least that's what he said on New Mandala, where he's a semi-regular commentator.

An underlying issue that tends to be overlooked amongst a number of pundits refers to history faculties within the esteemed universities.....what can they teach? How far can they go? In particular, the numerous well-known historians that have a reputation for progressive values and walking that straight-razor as such applies to Siam/Thailand studies and related social sciences. Most have adapted cleverly to play the game.....some have had to flee in exile.

[zzaa09]

Most Law is an ass and even more so this LM edict. Anyone who wishes to create 'problems' against another in Thailand simply just needs to level a complaint under LM and the police HAVE to investigate. What a croc... In a country as lawless as Thailand with a bunch of rules that can easily be misinterpreted and bent to suit, this is all the more ludicrous.

Yep. It's become the convenient safety-catch.

[animatic]

however frankly i prefer Bucholz's simple and effective demonstration as to where Somsak's sympathy's lie

I'm sure you do.There are always those who lap up malicious and dishonest propaganda.

And others who will understand the appropriateness of juxtaposition and timing.

[cdnvic]

Posts with personal attacks, bickering, and those quoting them removed.

[geriatrickid]

I am anti red may they loose big time in the elections. But just being a red shirt does not make him guilty of LM. In a proper country it would be ok to comment on the issue and voice some criticism about it.

But i have to be honest if this it the way the Democrats work when they have to win i am ok with it it. Anything to prohibit Taksins return. It is not as if the red fight fair with all their lies and brainwashing of people up North.

IS it the way that the Democrats work?

Or is it the way that the law works?

How are the Democrats involved in this?

If I understand correctly, robblok has no problem with the curtailment of an academic's non violent activities, and a denial of the academic's civil rights if the intent is to keep Mr. Thaksin from returning. Bit of a slippery slope he's on, so you might want to lay out some cushions for when he falls.

The Democrats are in power and they are behind the laying of charges. It seems to me a rather under handed way of waging a political campaign and undermines PM Abhisit's standing within the international community. It becomes more difficult for Thailand to expect support from other nations on the disputes with other countries and the Thaksin file when Thailand is seen as crushing civil rights. my perception is that the law in Thailand works for those that are in power.

There is going to be a heavy price to pay for this charge. Academics will rally to the accused's side. Basically, he's just been made a martyr. Hence, my view why this was not a wise charge. It would have been more e ffective to atack him based upon the alleged ties to the RedShirts.

[whybother]

If I understand correctly, robblok has no problem with the curtailment of an academic's non violent activities, and a denial of the academic's civil rights if the intent is to keep Mr. Thaksin from returning. Bit of a slippery slope he's on, so you might want to lay out some cushions for when he falls.

The Democrats are in power and they are behind the laying of charges. It seems to me a rather under handed way of waging a political campaign and undermines PM Abhisit's standing within the international community. It becomes more difficult for Thailand to expect support from other nations on the disputes with other countries and the Thaksin file when Thailand is seen as crushing civil rights. my perception is that the law in Thailand works for those that are in power.

There is going to be a heavy price to pay for this charge. Academics will rally to the accused's side. Basically, he's just been made a martyr. Hence, my view why this was not a wise charge. It would have been more e ffective to atack him based upon the alleged ties to the RedShirts.

"The Democrats ... are behind the laying of charges. "

Opinion or fact? It's certainly what most red shirt supporters want people to believe, but is there any evidence of it?

Most red shirt supporters want people to believe that the Democrats are just puppets of the elite. Now you're wanting us to believe that the Democrats are the ones behind it all? You can't have it both ways.

I am no fan of the LM law, but I don't see any evidence of the Democrats being behind it.

Edited April 24, 2011 by whybother

[robblok]

I am anti red may they loose big time in the elections. But just being a red shirt does not make him guilty of LM. In a proper country it would be ok to comment on the issue and voice some criticism about it.

But i have to be honest if this it the way the Democrats work when they have to win i am ok with it it. Anything to prohibit Taksins return. It is not as if the red fight fair with all their lies and brainwashing of people up North.

IS it the way that the Democrats work?

Or is it the way that the law works?

How are the Democrats involved in this?

Whoever is in power here controls the laws and how they are applied. Many things are political here its crazy to think there are no ulterior motives for this case. In other countries i would see it differently but not here.

[Schooner]

Both sides are pulling out all the stops to win and there is going to be uncomfortable times ahead. There is a certain amount of brinkmanship in these kinds of struggles.

Fortunatly Thailand has a long history of navigating through dangerous waters and comming out on top. I have every confidence that they will sort this out and allow their society to progress as it clearly wants. I will stay out of the way and wish them well.

[robblok]

I am anti red may they loose big time in the elections. But just being a red shirt does not make him guilty of LM. In a proper country it would be ok to comment on the issue and voice some criticism about it.

But i have to be honest if this it the way the Democrats work when they have to win i am ok with it it. Anything to prohibit Taksins return. It is not as if the red fight fair with all their lies and brainwashing of people up North.

IS it the way that the Democrats work?

Or is it the way that the law works?

How are the Democrats involved in this?

If I understand correctly, robblok has no problem with the curtailment of an academic's non violent activities, and a denial of the academic's civil rights if the intent is to keep Mr. Thaksin from returning. Bit of a slippery slope he's on, so you might want to lay out some cushions for when he falls.

The Democrats are in power and they are behind the laying of charges. It seems to me a rather under handed way of waging a political campaign and undermines PM Abhisit's standing within the international community. It becomes more difficult for Thailand to expect support from other nations on the disputes with other countries and the Thaksin file when Thailand is seen as crushing civil rights. my perception is that the law in Thailand works for those that are in power.

There is going to be a heavy price to pay for this charge. Academics will rally to the accused's side. Basically, he's just been made a martyr. Hence, my view why this was not a wise charge. It would have been more e ffective to atack him based upon the alleged ties to the RedShirts.

I know its a slippery slope, but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. Its not like the reds are all angels. They brainwash people with their radio stations in the North and doctored video and audio tapes.

Im not saying if it was smart or not, i have no opinion about that just let wait and see.

[whybother]

Whoever is in power here controls the laws and how they are applied. Many things are political here its crazy to think there are no ulterior motives for this case. In other countries i would see it differently but not here.

The police control how the laws are applied. Whoever is in power changes laws.

Thailand's LM laws have been in use since 1908. It would be political suicide for those in power to try and change the LM laws. Even Thaksin has filed LM charges and he made no effort to change the laws while in power.

[Buchholz]

The Democrats are in power and they are behind the laying of charges.

"The Democrats ... are behind the laying of charges. "

Opinion or fact? It's certainly what most red shirt supporters want people to believe, but is there any evidence of it?

Most red shirt supporters want people to believe that the Democrats are just puppets of the elite. Now you're wanting us to believe that the Democrats are the ones behind it all? You can't have it both ways.

I am no fan of the LM law, but I don't see any evidence of the Democrats being behind it.

The OP doesn't say anything about the Democrats laying the charges or being behind the laying of charges, so not sure where that assertion came from.

[givenall]

"Striking against red-shirt leaders is one thing but striking against an academic is another," said Streckfuss, adding that Somsak and his group's approach to criticisms are "very measured".

He must think he is above the law

[robblok]

Whoever is in power here controls the laws and how they are applied. Many things are political here its crazy to think there are no ulterior motives for this case. In other countries i would see it differently but not here.

The police control how the laws are applied. Whoever is in power changes laws.

Thailand's LM laws have been in use since 1908. It would be political suicide for those in power to try and change the LM laws. Even Thaksin has filed LM charges and he made no effort to change the laws while in power.

Your a bit naive.. whoever is in control controls the police and what laws are applied and who is charged. This is Thailand the ones in power decide what happens. That is why they all want to be in power. I just see the democrats as the lesser evil.

[cloudhopper]

Most Law is an ass and even more so this LM edict. Anyone who wishes to create 'problems' against another in Thailand simply just needs to level a complaint under LM and the police HAVE to investigate. What a croc... In a country as lawless as Thailand with a bunch of rules that can easily be misinterpreted and bent to suit, this is all the more ludicrous.

Well said.

[metisdead]

A post with reference to HM the King has been removed. Speculation, comments and discussion of either a political or personal nature are not allowed when discussing HM The King or the Royal family.

[jdinasia]

Whoever is in power here controls the laws and how they are applied. Many things are political here its crazy to think there are no ulterior motives for this case. In other countries i would see it differently but not here.

The police control how the laws are applied. Whoever is in power changes laws.

Thailand's LM laws have been in use since 1908. It would be political suicide for those in power to try and change the LM laws. Even Thaksin has filed LM charges and he made no effort to change the laws while in power.

Your a bit naive.. whoever is in control controls the police and what laws are applied and who is charged. This is Thailand the ones in power decide what happens. That is why they all want to be in power. I just see the democrats as the lesser evil.

I just can't agree with your blanket proclamation as applied to LM cases. The charges get investigated regardless of who makes them. The burden of proof may be a bit higher if you are an outsider charging someone connected with the powers-that-be, but it is still there. The thing is, most cases of LM charges are often not supported with anything other than "he said", when they are supported with video/audio they tend to proceed.