Students mock PM, protest over Somyos jailing

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK: -- A small group of young activists led by the son of Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, sentenced recently by the Criminal Court to 10 years in jail for lese majeste, yesterday made a scene during a parade ahead of the 69th annual Traditional Football Match between Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities.

About a dozen men and women, including Thammasat law student Panitan Prueksakasemsuk, held posters with messages criticising Article 112 of the Penal Code involving lese majeste alongside a parade by students from the two universities at Supachalasai Stadium.

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Among the messages were "Free Somyos", "Free political prisoners", and "It's a pity Somyos cannot join this football event". However, the event organisers prevented the protesters from merging with the procession. Staff cordoned them off from the parade but there were no reports of any dispute.

The protesters also managed to briefly display a large black banner with a message in white, "Free Somyos", on a stand before the football match began.

Somyos was editor of the Voice of Taksin magazine, which was popular among red shirts and backed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been in self-exile overseas to avoid jail for corruption at home. Somyos was found guilty of publishing articles insulting the monarchy.

During the satirical parade inside the stadium, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her government were the main targets of mockery.

Students participating in the satirical parade - for which the annual event is famous - carried large paper-mache figures with messages about political and social issues. A prominent one was a woman's sculpture in pink with the label "Khun Nayok Ha", which could be translated as "Amusing Madam Prime Minister".

The parade also featured other sculptures criticising the government's populist policies and the recent self-censorship by TV Channel 3 in pulling its prime-time drama "Nua Mek 2" off-air for condemning corrupt politicians.

-- The Nation 2013-02-03

This is mockery? At least they didn't burn anything down or take over an airport.

This is actually quite clever political protest.

I'm just proud that these students do speak up and voice their concerns in a very democratic way. Message is delivered, no violence.

Clever and also to the point, with the added bonus being students, the future of Thailand, understanding what is going on and doing something about it in a way, to date, that does not follow the violent ways of past adults. Well done.

It seems as if some of the younger generation have fine ideas, keep it up ,the corrupt political fossils must go,,

The future of Thailand and we old wrinklies, Thai and foreign rests in the hands of the young

Clever and also to the point, with the added bonus being students, the future of Thailand, understanding what is going on and doing something about it in a way, to date, that does not follow the violent ways of past adults. Well done.

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

It doesn't matter who the PM is, the entrenched group that uses the lese majeste law to stifle political opponents is not going to let go this draconian law.

In case you forgot, the LM law has been used in the past to go after PTP supporters or those alleged to be their supporters.

On one hand according to the TV experts, the PTP wants to create a Republic, and yet, it is blamed for the LM law.

It wasn't too long ago that the PTP government was criticized for proposing a review of the law.

I suggest you read this recent interview with one of the Redshirt leaders that is in prison. He acknowledges that the elected government is powerless when it comes to the entrenched political forces of Thailand.

http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2013/01/25/interview-with-surachai-danwattananusorn/

In plain language, the PM of Thailand remains in office only because the army allows it to do so. A change in the LM law at this time would provoke another coup on the allegation that the elected government was seeking to removing the monarchy.

Yingluk's (actually Thaksin's) opposition to the LM laws is hypocritically selective. Useful mercenaries like Nattawut & Jatuporn are protected and bailed out of jail. "Useful idiots" like Somyos are left to rot in jail.

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

Indeed. And rather than acting to reform the LM laws, the PTP have done quite the opposite since assuming power. Didn't deputy PM Chalerm set up a special "war-room" to aggressively target websites with LM content? In Chalerm's own words "”Such websites will not be tolerated by this government. I will take action as quickly as possible,”

This doesn't sound like the actions of a government that's intention is to amend the harsh LM laws as promised.

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

The difference is that Abhist became PM courtesy of the army's intervention, while the current PM won an election and must deal with the lurking menace of a military coup. Abhisit was a lapdog to the military while PM Yingluck must walk on eggshells trying to balance the desire for an elected government with those that wamt a military dictatorship. It is a very big difference.

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

Indeed. And rather than acting to reform the LM laws, the PTP have done quite the opposite since assuming power. Didn't deputy PM Chalerm set up a special "war-room" to aggressively target websites with LM content? In Chalerm's own words "”Such websites will not be tolerated by this government. I will take action as quickly as possible,”

This doesn't sound like the actions of a government that's intention is to amend the harsh LM laws as promised.

The government stands accused of being disloyal and seeking to institute a republic and/or diminish the institution of the monarchy.

The result is that the government must demonstrate its loyalty or else the military will have the excuse it seeks to launch another coup.

As it is, the PAD rump and their allies & supporters in the Democrat party continually harp about the threat of change , As you recall, the Democrats have effectively blocked any change in the LM law.

Edited February 3, 201313 yr by geriatrickid

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

The difference is that Abhist became PM courtesy of the army's intervention, while the current PM won an election and must deal with the lurking menace of a military coup. Abhisit was a lapdog to the military while PM Yingluck must walk on eggshells trying to balance the desire for an elected government with those that wamt a military dictatorship. It is a very big difference.

If a political party in governance is found to be failed and corrupt, and there are no other means to remove same, other than a coup, how can you claim the person poste conflict put in charge was a 'puppet'? What a stupid uneducated statement and even further - a 'lapdog'? At least in Australia when the incompetent Labour government was removed by the sacking of the Prime mInister (Gough Whitlam) by the Governor General (the Queens only legal representative) there was that option. Here there is none and LM law is a rod to the back as much as a tool to keep control. You can bleat all you like about legally elected garbage but the army in this instance acted with the endorsement of the only other means of control, i.e. the monarchy, and fortunately for Thailand - the army resolved it.

Now if you really want to talk about a lap dog as PM just look at the present situation... on behalf of the criminal controlling the country. Fortunately 'elections' such that they are - are not far away. Let the people speak.

The difference is that Abhist became PM courtesy of the army's intervention, while the current PM won an election and must deal with the lurking menace of a military coup. Abhisit was a lapdog to the military while PM Yingluck must walk on eggshells trying to balance the desire for an elected government with those that wamt a military dictatorship. It is a very big difference.

There is no difference at all. Both Abhisit's government and the current government act in the exact same way to these issues; the status quo remains exactly as it was. The only difference is the one you perceive there being in that Abhisit in some way having done it because he chose to, whereas Yingluck doing it because she has to. A case of telling yourself whatever you need to in order to rationalise your dislike of one and your support of the other.

Obviously criticising the lese majeste law should itself become lese majeste.

There case closed. But how to change the law without breaking the law. eggs and chickens.

I'm just proud that these students do speak up and voice their concerns in a very democratic way. Message is delivered, no violence.

yes, but:

1) pointless no one care

2) unbalanced basically the same commies every time. No solution, no alternatives no concept....and not to forget if you know some of these speeches, if they would be made similar about the German premier, British Queen or American President they would also result in a jail term. Not for lese majeste but for violation of other laws. This is never mentioned by these activists who surely know the original speeches/article.

Obviously criticising the lese majeste law should itself become lese majeste.

There case closed. But how to change the law without breaking the law. eggs and chickens.

90 if not 99 % of the lese majeste cases would go to jail without the law.....just to remember that the guy who wrote a song about killing the US President also went to jail.

Obviously criticising the lese majeste law should itself become lese majeste.

There case closed. But how to change the law without breaking the law. eggs and chickens.

90 if not 99 % of the lese majeste cases would go to jail without the law.....just to remember that the guy who wrote a song about killing the US President also went to jail.

Well not being a fluent Thai reader i can't say what percentage but the reality is, it is far to draconian and open to abuse. The Thai monarchy is rock solid, i have a feeling these convictions do it more harm than good.

wow the PM is very sensitive to criticism, first she bans a TV show now its a small group of students

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

Indeed. And rather than acting to reform the LM laws, the PTP have done quite the opposite since assuming power. Didn't deputy PM Chalerm set up a special "war-room" to aggressively target websites with LM content? In Chalerm's own words "”Such websites will not be tolerated by this government. I will take action as quickly as possible,”

Yes, PM Yingluck has reiterated no intention to change Article 112.

And yes, DPM Chalerm set up a multi-million baht LM War Room to increase aggressive pursuit of violators.

This protest is driving a further wedge between the Red Shirts and Pheu Thai Party government that is dropping one pledge after another with the Red Shirts.

.

the Democrats have effectively blocked any change in the LM law.

There's nothing to block.

The PTP government isn't pursuing any change.

.

Really?

It seems to me that they picked the wrong target. If they had an understanding of the lese majeste law, they would not target the PM.

I don't seem to recall you, or any of your red leaning chums, taking that sort of attitude when Abhisit was in power.

It was the same thing with regards the government having a relationship with the army. When Abhisit's government had one, it was because they were working in cahoots together... now that Yingluck has one, she is merely working within the system.

PTP campaigned on a platform of having a different attitude with regards LM and a platform of not being in bed with the military. More than a year into their term and nothing has changed with regards either of these issues one jot. But that's ok because in actual fact, they are powerless to do anything. Funny how they never mentioned that when they were attacking Abhisit and the Dems for doing nothing about it either when they were in power. Now the shoe is on the other foot....

The difference is that Abhist became PM courtesy of the army's intervention, while the current PM won an election and must deal with the lurking menace of a military coup. Abhisit was a lapdog to the military while PM Yingluck must walk on eggshells trying to balance the desire for an elected government with those that wamt a military dictatorship. It is a very big difference.

If a political party in governance is found to be failed and corrupt, and there are no other means to remove same, other than a coup, how can you claim the person poste conflict put in charge was a 'puppet'? What a stupid uneducated statement and even further - a 'lapdog'? At least in Australia when the incompetent Labour government was removed by the sacking of the Prime mInister (Gough Whitlam) by the Governor General (the Queens only legal representative) there was that option. Here there is none and LM law is a rod to the back as much as a tool to keep control. You can bleat all you like about legally elected garbage but the army in this instance acted with the endorsement of the only other means of control, i.e. the monarchy, and fortunately for Thailand - the army resolved it.

Now if you really want to talk about a lap dog as PM just look at the present situation... on behalf of the criminal controlling the country. Fortunately 'elections' such that they are - are not far away. Let the people speak.

Think you are just guessing and 'clutching at straws' old son !

The government stands accused of being disloyal and seeking to institute a republic and/or diminish the institution of the monarchy.

The result is that the government must demonstrate its loyalty or else the military will have the excuse it seeks to launch another coup.

As it is, the PAD rump and their allies & supporters in the Democrat party continually harp about the threat of change , As you recall, the Democrats have effectively blocked any change in the LM law.

I don't recall the Democrats blocking any change to the LM law. Can you please point me to any reference of it?

Also, I wonder how, with only a third of the seats in parliament, the Democrats can block any legislation.

Obviously criticising the lese majeste law should itself become lese majeste.

There case closed. But how to change the law without breaking the law. eggs and chickens.

90 if not 99 % of the lese majeste cases would go to jail without the law.....just to remember that the guy who wrote a song about killing the US President also went to jail.

Well not being a fluent Thai reader i can't say what percentage but the reality is, it is far to draconian and open to abuse. The Thai monarchy is rock solid, i have a feeling these convictions do it more harm than good.

While I agree and actually I don't like the law, I wouldn't cancel it at the moment. The King is ill, in the hospital and very old and on the other side we have wannabe communists that don't care about anything. With a government that lets say it that way: is accused from some people to be not friendly towards the monarchy. PAD says so, if it is true or not.

The law should have been canceled or modified 10-15 years ago....or now wait another couple of years till there are no tensions anymore.

Of course it is badly abused, that government is complete control crazy....control the internet about LM, online casinos, naked women, control alcohol, cigarettes, channel 3 soap operas etc etc etc