Dealing With People Who Think Differently; Thai Opinion

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Dealing with people who think differently

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

In a sign of increasing online witch-hunting against its political opponents, ASTV-Manager daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Monday produced the picture and name of the latest man charged under lese majeste laws.

The newspaper quoted an ultra-royalist social-sanction group (known as the SS) as declaring victoriously: "Another one is down."

The same SS posted much information about the man, a new graduate from Kasetsart University, on its website. The name, photo and details are there to assist, or even encourage, ultra-royalists to send threatening e-mail or make hate phone calls to the man and his family.

The paper editorialised the headline of the news article by stating that the man was "unrepentant for seeking bail". He was, however, granted bail late on Monday.

Not to be outdone, some red shirts asked one of this writer's friends whether she knew the details of the university vice rector who filed lese majeste charges against his own student, so they could launch a counter-witch-hunt against the academic.

There's no sign that such activities will cease any time soon.

Many Thais believe that there is only one single collection of "right" information, knowledge and understanding about the monarchy. Any version, view, or knowledge about the royal institution that, in their minds, is "wrong" or different has no place and therefore must be censored and suppressed, and those giving it voice thrown into jail and made to fear speaking or writing freely again.

Many Thais abhor and seek to suppress differing views because they believe only one single truth and morality exists on certain issues and the right one is often the one to which they subscribe.

A royalist recently asked this writer what would happen without the lese majeste law, and followed the question with an implausible proposition that, suddenly one morning, some 300,000 online users could decide independently to post anti-monarchist messages online, say on Twitter or Facebook.

There was no satisfactory answer to offer him. But using the same bizarre scenario, Thais would have the choice of either having 300,000 people thrown into jail under the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act, in effect painting Thailand in the image of North Korea or at least China, or placing trust in people's ability to decide for themselves what is true and what is false; what should be taken seriously and what should not.

Currently, at least 11 people are in Bangkok Remand Prison alone for alleged breaches of the lese majeste law. It's not clear how many more are in jail in Bangkok and beyond for such "crimes", which are normally not considered criminal acts in democratic societies. And what about those who, out of fear, keep their private conversations about the Palace to soft murmurs?

Those detained include a cook who peddled compact discs of a documentary programme about the Royal Family produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that has probably been watched by tens of thousands in Australia and beyond. Another, a key red-shirt member and magazine editor, Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, is in jail without bail for allowing an anonymous writer to pen two articles that didn't even refer directly to His Majesty the King.

People cannot be forced to appreciate the value and importance of freedom of expression any more than the lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act can make some Thais revere the monarchy.

However, without widespread consensus that freedom of expression is one of the fundamental pillars of a free and democratic society, and that this must be protected, Thailand cannot really hope to become a democracy. And the witch-hunting, suppression and jailing of those who think differently, and the state propaganda, will continue, as an excuse for dealing with people who think differently.

-- The Nation 2011-08-10

[sfbandung]

A delicate topic indeed. My feeling is that the people will ultimately decide if and when they want the lese majeste law relaxed. Thailand has far greater issues to deal with at present and whilst not even being a Thai National I think it's inappropriate to address it while His Majesty remains in poor health. Long live the King.

I for one have never come across any Thai who would speak poorly of the King. Indeed I've seen instances (not even in Thailand) where people will defend the monarchy vigorously if any farang dares to raise the topic. And that has nothing to do with the lese majeste law, it's simply how they feel.

[JurgenG]

More than the furtue of the lese-majest law, here is what worries more

"In a sign of increasing online witch-hunting against its political opponents, ASTV-Manager daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Monday produced the picture and name of the latest man charged under lese majeste laws.

The newspaper quoted an ultra-royalist social-sanction group (known as the SS) as declaring victoriously: "Another one is down."

The same SS posted much information about the man, a new graduate from Kasetsart University, on its website. The name, photo and details are there to assist, or even encourage, ultra-royalists to send threatening e-mail or make hate phone calls to the man and his family.

The paper editorialised the headline of the news article by stating that the man was "unrepentant for seeking bail". He was, however, granted bail late on Monday.

Not to be outdone, some red shirts asked one of this writer's friends whether she knew the details of the university vice rector who filed lese majeste charges against his own student, so they could launch a counter-witch-hunt against the academic.

There's no sign that such activities will cease any time soon. "

The witch hunt.

Even if this time Sondhi hides between this "SS" group, his is very familiar with this technique that he uses repeatedly against his nemesis.

This is not healthy !

People who didn't denounce his action because it was their (short term) advantage are also responsible.

[thunder30101]

As long as people are not allowed to discuss something it will never change and that includes thais. Many thais would like to talk about this and do but dont want to end up in jail

[pisico]

Skillfully written. With maturity and insight.

One of the pitfalls of freedom of expression is having to deal with puerile comments and vitriolic statements as we see posted daily by the "usual suspects". You know who you are.

But I would rather put up with those comments than to be restrained by laws that gag freedom of the press and expression.

Of course that the "usual suspects" when they are confronted with a view that differs from their own fanatical and rabid feelings, they resort to name calling, epithets and condescending attitudes.

But, without a gag, anyone can tell them to get a life and/or stop drinking the Kool-aid.

[jybkk]

I start to have some hope about Thailand's future.

I have the feeling that over the past months, people are more openly discussing about the potential misuses of this powerful law. This is a step in the right direction.

This law is being misused for political purposes rather than to protect the monarchy. Therefore, its content must be discussed, clarified if necessary, to ensure that the purpose of the law is not distorted by petty political disputes.

Many, in Thailand, consider that discussing about something means we disagree with it. Why is it so difficult to understand that discussing is also necessary for improvement?

[jonclark]

It is sad that most people are too scared to discuss an institution that they all clearly have great love for. To echo a previous poster this isn't healthy. In a democracy there isn't a singular right. many people agree on the principle, but conflict in the details. It is on the details that discussion should start.

[OzMick]

Skillfully written. With maturity and insight.

One of the pitfalls of freedom of expression is having to deal with puerile comments and vitriolic statements as we see posted daily by the "usual suspects". You know who you are.

But I would rather put up with those comments than to be restrained by laws that gag freedom of the press and expression.

Of course that the "usual suspects" when they are confronted with a view that differs from their own fanatical and rabid feelings, they resort to name calling, epithets and condescending attitudes.

But, without a gag, anyone can tell them to get a life and/or stop drinking the Kool-aid.

May I quote your post on another thread? ( Post #4)

"........ infantile.

It is obvious that lack of maturity and/or character motivate those premature comments."

Now what is that word that I'm looking for? Starts with a H.................

[Thai at Heart]

In a sign of increasing online witch-hunting against its political opponents, ASTV-Manager daily newspaper, the mouthpiece of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Monday produced the picture and name of the latest man charged under lese majeste laws.

So I expect that ASTV will sue for being accused of using the lese majeste laws for political uses.

[x5david]

Perish the thought that people should be able to actually speak their mind...next will be reading everyone's minds to prevent any ill thoughts....

[swifty5x5]

I start to have some hope about Thailand's future.

I have the feeling that over the past months, people are more openly discussing about the potential misuses of this powerful law. This is a step in the right direction.

This law is being misused for political purposes rather than to protect the monarchy. Therefore, its content must be discussed, clarified if necessary, to ensure that the purpose of the law is not distorted by petty political disputes.

Many, in Thailand, consider that discussing about something means we disagree with it. Why is it so difficult to understand that discussing is also necessary for improvement?

Well said.

[bigbamboo]

The lese majesty law as I understand it was and still is in the Thai constitution as a blanket law to protect the ruling royal family from defamation. Until a few years ago there were very few cases ever brought to court but in the past six years there has been a plethora of lese majeste charges which would seem to answer the question that the law is being abused.

[Cnxforever]

"SS" group - how aptly named!

There was a certain German dictator who used a group by that name who ran the concentration camps where those who "thought differently" or did not fit into the picture of the regime ended up!

Edited August 10, 2011 by Cnxforever

[HardenedSoul]

"SS" group - how aptly named!

There was a certain German dictator who used a group by that name who ran the concentration camps where those who "thought differently" or did not fit into the picture of the regime ended up!

Jing Loh??

[clausewitz]

what cracks me up about lese majeste law is the people who promote will unfaillingly say every Thai loves the royal family. So- if this the case - why would you need a lese majeste law.

I

[JurgenG]

"SS" group - how aptly named!

There was a certain German dictator who used a group by that name who ran the concentration camps where those who "thought differently" or did not fit into the picture of the regime ended up!

The PAD reveals its true color.

[EvilDrSomkid]

This country has no freedom of speech and therefor is no true democracy.

If the LM laws or the defamation laws are not relaxed or repealed, this country will not move forward.

Is it illegal to say this?

Edited August 10, 2011 by EvilDrSomkid

[backtonormal]

what cracks me up about lese majeste law is the people who promote will unfaillingly say every Thai loves the royal family. So- if this the case - why would you need a lese majeste law.

I

Excellent post. Very few need to be jailed under this law, reprimanded or fined maybe. Rewriting this law to meet todays requirements will give a little freedom of speech. A few in this country fear that thought

[wonderworld]

For those who are seeking the freedom of speech of courseyou can do so; but if you dare saying something not true, lie, accuses anddefamation against anyone, you also should have the gut to face the law sue andthis is the fact in any country.

Many country in Europe also have “The Lese Majeste Laws” andyet also still enforce, why there such of big issue just for Thailand ?

The laws have been introducing to Thailand more than 100years ago. The monarchy does not have the right to change the laws; if there isany change to be done these have to be carrying out by the government, the Parliamentand those greedy politics.

Every time that someonehave put in jail for lese majesty; do you all really think that we all pleasedthat our beloved king have got the blame for its ?

[wintermute]

I believe Lese Majeste laws are not serious enough. The voice that accuses must also be the hand that has the courage to execute the will of the sentence as imposed by society. Those that are convicted should be publicly beheaded by their accuser.

Perhaps Siam Paragon would make an excellent venue for this.

They can erect a fancy scaffold replete with lush (imported) hi so carpets, marble parapets, and dancing cherubs on rotating crystal fountainheads. Then during the climax of the execution an appropriate tune by Tata Young can commence as geysers of blood rain down on the heads of the onlooking Thai audience seeking retribution and justice for every slight on society.