Paiboon to head government panel on lese majeste issue

[webfact]

Paiboon to head government panel on lese majeste issue
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A GOVERNMENTAL committee to handle the lese majeste issue will be set up for the first time, with Justice Minister General Paiboon Khumchaya as chairman.

The committee will divide its tasks into three working groups - including one dealing with the extraditing of violators of the lese majeste law from abroad.

Paiboon's statement was in line with the government announcing its achievements in the past three months after seizing power on May 22.

Making similar statements yesterday on their ministries were Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda and Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Yutthawong.

The decision on the lese majeste issue was reached after Paiboon met with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry and the Department of Special Investigation. Paiboon said Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had instructed the matter be dealt with systematically in an integrated manner.

Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

The Justice Minister acknowledged that lese majeste charges had been used by some Thais as a tool to seek asylum abroad. The committee would also set up a working group to convince the international community that the law and charges against alleged offenders had nothing to do with politics.

The third working group would ensure that those using social media to defame the monarchy were dealt with. This, said Paiboon, was the responsibility of the ICT Ministry. The committee would also review all lese majeste cases and the so-called anti-monarchist mind map, he added.

In Anupong's briefing, he said it was the government's duty to honour the monarchy and protect it from violation. The Interior Ministry would perform its roles on social order, national security, and provision of basic necessities. One major Interior Ministry priority next year was the combating of drought or flooding, he added.

Separately, Yongyuth, who supervises the government's social issues, said more than 15,000 rai of land had been distributed to 3,000 landless or poor farmers. Assistance had also been given to the disabled, and those with visual or hearing impairments. The per-head monthly allowance for the disabled has been increased to Bt800 from Bt500.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Paiboon-to-head-government-panel-on-lese-majeste-i-30250690.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-26

[BSJ]

I hope they show some creativity when they formulate policy and solutions.

[ramrod711]

Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

[chainarong]

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Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

Many agree including me , LM it is there for a purpose , for the convenience of the military.

[baboon]

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Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

Many agree including me , LM it is there for a purpose , for the convenience of the military.

It will be interesting how the Black is White squad spin this one...

[Bluespunk]

"Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution."

Good luck with that.

[FireMedic]

Another Dead On Arrival news story.

[Bluespunk]

Did they forget to mention the fourth working group which will deal with false and malicious accusations?

Edited December 26, 2014 by Bluespunk

[NongKhaiKid]

"Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution."

Good luck with that.

Nth. Korea will be on board as it seems they are twitchy about criticism etc of certain people but it's not likely to be a favoured refuge of Thais on the run.

Edited December 26, 2014 by NongKhaiKid

[whybother]

Did they forget to mention the fourth working group which will deal with false and malicious accusations?

And a group to look into "someone"'s opinion on the law?

[Briggsy]

When are they actually going to start any extradition proceedings? They do talk and talk and talk but never do anything. What do they expect foreign states to do, bundle people on to planes in the middle of the night?

General Paiboon needs to walk the walk not just talk the talk. I am looking forward to the "extradition request show" but I think it could be a long time coming. This bluster is purely for domestic consumption.

[greenchair]

Did they forget to mention the fourth working group which will deal with false and malicious accusations?

And a group to look into "someone"'s opinion on the law?

And group to inform the public clearly on what constitutes a violation. Since many offences can be prosecuted that have no direct relation to criticising the royal family. For example. Is criticising the government that is endorsed by the royal institution a crime?

[rickirs]

"The committee would also set up a working group to convince the international community that the law and charges against alleged offenders had nothing to do with politics."

The Monarch is the Head of State. How can one view that as having nothing to do with politics?

[bangon04]

"Paiboon's statement was in line with the government announcing its achievements in the past three months after seizing power on May 22."

err I know my Thai maths is not very good, but isn't that a period of 7 months +??

Or does he mean there were only achievements in the last 3 months, not the first 3/4 months?

[h90]

Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

For many of the lese majeste cases you have other laws in foreign states that covers it. From these cases I know you would be in jail in most countries....

[whybother]

Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

For many of the lese majeste cases you have other laws in foreign states that covers it. From these cases I know you would be in jail in most countries....

How many countries have laws for not standing up in a cinema? Or for drawing on a picture? Or for telling the truth?

[JungleBoy2]

WHY are the rulers so worried about Lese Majeste?

[JOC]

WHY are the rulers so worried about Lese Majeste?

Because LM is the perfect excuse to get away with anything!!

No stronger threat in Thailand!!

[JOC]

Another thread where freedom of speech is somehow limited!!

[JOC]

>>Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.<< Quote

They simply don't get it, do they??

In most civilized countries freedom of speech are taking seriously.

[smutcakes]

Deleted- self moderated.

Edited December 26, 2014 by smutcakes

[Lupatria]

Did they forget to mention the fourth working group which will deal with false and malicious accusations?

false and malicious accusations

I didn't notice there ever was one when they came from the right corner.

[JOC]

The real irony in all this nonsense, is the the King himself in a speech in 2005 said that, he was not above criticism since he was only human.

That statement was of course ignored by the politicians (of all colors) since it didn't serve their agenda.

IMO, the people misusing the LM law, are the ones showing utter disrespect for The Institution !!

[thailiketoo]

For many of the lese majeste cases you have other laws in foreign states that covers it. From these cases I know you would be in jail in most countries....

I am having a wee bit of trouble understanding the above. 1. What laws and 2. Most countries.

[LazarusRising]

Paiboon said he understood many foreign states did not recognise lese majeste acts as a crime and would not extradite the accused; but the Thai government would try to convince them that defaming the monarchy affected the Thai spirit that revered the institution.

Many countries do not recognize LM as a crime and won't extradite the accused. Rightfully so. When a "law" is used as a blanket charge to rid one of business, political and personal competitors and thousands are charged for speaking their minds, one would hope that other countries would not have any part of it.

For many of the lese majeste cases you have other laws in foreign states that covers it. From these cases I know you would be in jail in most countries....

No there isn't. No you wouldn't.

How about you list some of these countries? If there are many, a short list of 5 shouldn't be too difficult. Let's see it.

[timewilltell]

The monarchy should be respected but that does nothing t give carte Blanche to the government or indeed anyone who so feels to use the law as an excuse for prosecution in marginal cases which it is very unlikely the Monarchy have any connection Joe interest in. The law needs revision if not abolition. Maybe allow the law but that cases can only be brought with consent of or by order of, the Royal Office instead of any Tom Dick or Harry with a grudge or mission.

[BirdsandBooze]

It is not only the Thai monarchy that is protected by lese majeste laws here. It is also an offence under this law to insult a foreign head of state or their heir apparent. You could get a 7 stretch for lampooning Prince Charles!!

[LazarusRising]

The monarchy should be respected but that does nothing t give carte Blanche to the government or indeed anyone who so feels to use the law as an excuse for prosecution in marginal cases which it is very unlikely the Monarchy have any connection Joe interest in. The law needs revision if not abolition. Maybe allow the law but that cases can only be brought with consent of or by order of, the Royal Office instead of any Tom Dick or Harry with a grudge or mission.

Respect is something that can only be given, it cannot be forced, dictated, legislated or compelled, attempts to do so are futile and often produce results that are in direct opposition to those desired.

[Thai at Heart]

When are they actually going to start any extradition proceedings? They do talk and talk and talk but never do anything. What do they expect foreign states to do, bundle people on to planes in the middle of the night?

General Paiboon needs to walk the walk not just talk the talk. I am looking forward to the "extradition request show" but I think it could be a long time coming. This bluster is purely for domestic consumption.

Maybe Thailand needs a war on Less Majeste. They can claim national security and start water boarding people.

[tbthailand]

... lese majeste charges had been used by some Thais as a tool to seek asylum abroad.

this is one of the most Orwellian things I've read in a while.

need more coffee...