Foreign Affairs Minister confident opposition to US ambassador will not result in violence

[DrTuner]

Place marines at the embassy gates, fully armed. Gotta show 'em where the chicken pees from.

[tbthailand]

He is probably fed up with the bullshit from the Thai government already. If he wanted to be posted in North Korea he would have applied for it.

Good on him. He is doing exactly what he should and although they dont realise it, he is helping save the Thai people from their own ignorance.

he was in NK already... prior to this job.

[DrTuner]

Whoever, defaming, insulting or threatening a foreign Representative accredited to the Royal Court, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to five years or fine of one to ten thousand Baht, or both.

Punching an ambassador, 1000b. Seems legit.

[tbthailand]

This is not the Ambassador's business to criticize the law of the country he is accredited to.

America, please stop meddling in Thailand's internal affairs!

Really? so let's not criticize Iran? Iraq? beheadings in Saudi? Assad? Hussein? Mugabe? REALLY???

This thread is about the American Ambassador in Thailand.

Please don't troll the original topic.

if you had heard what he actually said, then you would understand that he is in no way meddling in Thailand's internal affairs.

[tbthailand]

and here we are - Mad monarchist Sonthiya Sawasdee files 112 complaint against American Ambassador for Lese Majeste offences. He had to do it on king's birthday and grab the news headlines.

Royalist urges investigation of US ambassador over lèse majesté criticisms

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/5667

I'm glad that you posted that.

It shows how nutty the ultra-royalist are.

There are people in Thailand who consider any discussion about the LM law to be a violation of the same.

It is off the chart crazy.

[wangsuda]

and here we are - Mad monarchist Sonthiya Sawasdee files 112 complaint against American Ambassador for Lese Majeste offences. He had to do it on king's birthday and grab the news headlines.

Royalist urges investigation of US ambassador over lèse majesté criticisms

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/5667

These idiots need to learn about diplomatic immunity. If they get their wish, there could be pure diplomatic hell to pay, and Thailand would be on the receiving end of some serious nasty.

[tbthailand]

Thailand’s criminal code which states that whoever defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years.

So this is the great lie about LM today...

You can be imprisoned for each occurrence which is how the military courts have handed down a 60 year sentence this year. If you are wondering what crazy thing this LM victim did, well, he was convicted for Facebook posts.

As for who it applies to, The courts have charged LM victims for statements about past, dead kings of Thailand (a historian was the victim), nothing to do with the current king, queen or regent.

And as mentioned above, even making statements about the LM law can bring out the nutters to accuse you of LM... let's not even mention what happens to people who suggest that it be reformed... and for those who want to see it abolished - well, yeah, you can imagine...

[Orac]

Whoever, defaming, insulting or threatening a foreign Representative accredited to the Royal Court, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to five years or fine of one to ten thousand Baht, or both.

Punching an ambassador, 1000b. Seems legit.

Actual violence against an ambassador comes under Article 131 and carries a compulsory custodial sentence:

"Whoever, assaulting or committing any act of violence against the liberty of the Foreign Representative to be accredited to the Royal court, shall be imprisoned not out of ten years. Whoever, attempting to commit the act as aforesaid, shall be punished by the same punishment."

[ParadiseLost]

In the interests of keeping things fair and balanced for the people of Thailand, ambassador Davies today released a detailed explanation and apology in the local edition of the NY Times:

"

"

There is no story, no incident and no reason for comment - just a bunch of retarded opportunists trying in their own bizarre fashion to impress other retarded fanatics. Sum total of their IQs can be read on the Richter scale.

I would like to see the US ambassador directly challenge this medieval law. Put this trumped-up human airbag to a test... Breaking off diplomatic ties would not hurt the US in the least.

Vietnam is going forward at a huge rate of knots while Thailand is stuck in the dark ages...

[MZurf]

Good for Ambassador Davies . He ought to say it again loud and clear. All foreigners here need to speak out and come to the aid of all the poor pitiful Thai people who are scared to death to speak their minds.

Speak out in favor of Mr. Thaksin and his clan......Thank you but no.....

Here is a prime example of the weird notion some of the junta supporters have that criticism of the junta equals support for Thaksin.

Disengenious, to be VERY polite.

Agree - criticizing a military Junta, or any government, does not equal support for any opposition party.

Nor does criticizing the Shins and the criminal who owns them equal support for the current Junta government.

Amazing how many posters only understand that one way.

Totally agree with the sentiment, but disagree that there's many who don't see the numerous faults of the various Shin governments.

[Hawk]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

I suppose you are married to an army general's daughter. Sure life on camp gets better and better but in the real Thai world life ain't so fun. No money, debt, etc. I know people who i being paid only 100 baht a day and they have to take it.

[dageurreotype]

and here we are - Mad monarchist Sonthiya Sawasdee files 112 complaint against American Ambassador for Lese Majeste offences. He had to do it on king's birthday and grab the news headlines.

Royalist urges investigation of US ambassador over lèse majesté criticisms

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/5667

He's asking for investigation of the FCCT as well. He's just some nutter, as all monarchists are, and will be treated as such. Unless Another Nutter wants to make political points out of it ..

[LannaGuy]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

better and better lor? and please do not troll that you speak for the majority of the Thai people ok? only elections do that

[aussieinthailand]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

Seems you are very much in the minority regarding this issue mate.

Commenting on laws that are ever increasing actions against various peoples that is not in the intention of the laws but being manipulated to suite someone's agenda be it political or other is very much the business of every free thinking person on the planet and that includes the US ambassador my friend.

As for "the majority of Thai population is quite with the new changes" you reading them funky we love the junta they have 93% approval codswollop poll's haven't ya mate. "The life in Thailand becomes better and better", Guess you don't have a rubber plantation huh, or selling farm rice, palm oil, tourism, etc, coz they are all hurting man, try getting a grip.....................

"So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible" really man,,, unless you have the right to vote here then you have no dog in the fight.

I would also suggest that the majority of the Thai people most defiantly want to vote for the leader and party that run the country, constitution and laws.

[Default]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

better and better lor? and please do not troll that you speak for the majority of the Thai people ok? only elections do that

Elections are not necessary if the referendum confirms that the majority of Thai people want to retain the status quo.

[MZurf]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

better and better lor? and please do not troll that you speak for the majority of the Thai people ok? only elections do that

Elections are not necessary if the referendum confirms that the majority of Thai people want to retain the status quo.

Referendum? What referendum??

[Default]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

Seems you are very much in the minority regarding this issue mate.

Commenting on laws that are ever increasing actions against various peoples that is not in the intention of the laws but being manipulated to suite someone's agenda be it political or other is very much the business of every free thinking person on the planet and that includes the US ambassador my friend.

As for "the majority of Thai population is quite with the new changes" you reading them funky we love the junta they have 93% approval codswollop poll's haven't ya mate. "The life in Thailand becomes better and better", Guess you don't have a rubber plantation huh, or selling farm rice, palm oil, tourism, etc, coz they are all hurting man, try getting a grip.....................

"So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible" really man,,, unless you have the right to vote here then you have no dog in the fight.

I would also suggest that the majority of the Thai people most defiantly want to vote for the leader and party that run the country, constitution and laws.

No, I believe you are wrong my friend!

[LannaGuy]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

better and better lor? and please do not troll that you speak for the majority of the Thai people ok? only elections do that

Elections are not necessary if the referendum confirms that the majority of Thai people want to retain the status quo.

ah ok... 'election not necessary' if Thais vote for 'Hobson's Choice' referendum? not sure you will convince any thinking Thai or the international community! so which country do you come from? you sound an ultra nationalist Thai?

[aussieinthailand]

You know very well the situation here demands it as democracy has been overtaken by a military grab for power and by broken promises of "no coup" and "elections in 2015" etc. I believe an American Ambassador would criticize just the same if it were any other country in the world where the military takes over a democracy.

Nobody appointed America to be the World's Policeman.

Please clean your own yard first before asking others to clean theirs.

As far as I am concerned, having lived in Thailand for the last 15 years or so, according to my own observations, after the NCPO took power in Thailand, the majority of Thai population is quite happy with the new changes.

The life in Thailand becomes better and better.

So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible!

Seems you are very much in the minority regarding this issue mate.

Commenting on laws that are ever increasing actions against various peoples that is not in the intention of the laws but being manipulated to suite someone's agenda be it political or other is very much the business of every free thinking person on the planet and that includes the US ambassador my friend.

As for "the majority of Thai population is quite with the new changes" you reading them funky we love the junta they have 93% approval codswollop poll's haven't ya mate. "The life in Thailand becomes better and better", Guess you don't have a rubber plantation huh, or selling farm rice, palm oil, tourism, etc, coz they are all hurting man, try getting a grip.....................

"So let the NCPO stay in power as long as possible" really man,,, unless you have the right to vote here then you have no dog in the fight.

I would also suggest that the majority of the Thai people most defiantly want to vote for the leader and party that run the country, constitution and laws.

No, I believe you are wrong my friend!

Well please, be my guest and enlighten myself and the MAJORITY of the people as to how your opinions are what the majority of Thai's believe and want.

hehehe good luck with that my friend. BTW, are you on their payroll??? just askin.

[DrTuner]

Whoever, defaming, insulting or threatening a foreign Representative accredited to the Royal Court, shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to five years or fine of one to ten thousand Baht, or both.

Punching an ambassador, 1000b. Seems legit.

Actual violence against an ambassador comes under Article 131 and carries a compulsory custodial sentence:

"Whoever, assaulting or committing any act of violence against the liberty of the Foreign Representative to be accredited to the Royal court, shall be imprisoned not out of ten years. Whoever, attempting to commit the act as aforesaid, shall be punished by the same punishment."

Well in that case if I was him I'd go and egg the LM nutters on, worth taking a hit on the noggin (or dodge, agile as I am) to put them away for 10y. For some strange unfathomable reason however I've not yet been appointed an ambassador.

[waldroj]

and here we are - Mad monarchist Sonthiya Sawasdee files 112 complaint against American Ambassador for Lese Majeste offences. He had to do it on king's birthday and grab the news headlines.

Royalist urges investigation of US ambassador over lèse majesté criticisms

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/5667

Just do a Google search of Sonthiya Sawasdee, you'll find he's been a crackpot for quite a while. Even had a go at running as an independent in the 2005 election, but didn't do to well (as the following figures show):

KINGDOM OF THAILAND LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS OF 6 FEBRUARY 2005============================================================

SAMUT SAKHON PROVINCE

=====================================================================

District 1 *

=====================================================================

Candidate Party Votes %

---------------------------------------------------------------------

ANUSORN Kraiwatnusorn Thais Love Thais 37,542 70.9

Khanchit Thapsuwan Democratic Party 14,554 27.5

Sonthiya Sawasdee 142 00.3

Wirat Thuanyuenyong Thai Nation Party 700 00.1

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Total 52,938

---------------------------------------------------------------------

[ParadiseLost]

There was this Greek fella, who became synonymous with uh collective bargaining... When one person admitted a wrong doing they all claimed to be this same guy... I don't mention his name as it is a very popular character amongst revolutionary types and I am not advocating anything of the sort but I'm sure everyone knows who it is.

As an (ex) South African I witnessed the impossible fall of apartheid, I say impossible because the government had absolute control of everything - the media, police, army, etc. While it may not be quite the same here, there are strong parallels emerging and I am reminded of a 1984 speech delivered by the arrogant slimebag of a PM Pik Botha where he told the world to stay out of SAs (despicable) business and SA could stand alone and would rather side with Russia than change their (barbaric) system.

As a 21 year old I never once thought I would see the day when, amazingly just 5 years later Mandela was freed and 10 years later the ANC came to power. This was achieved through international sanctions and embargoes.

Massive changes need to and will happen here, only a strong determined push backwards is delaying it. The US can expedite matters by setting some minimum requirements of their own, I don't see where they need Thailand so badly and with big, big changes coming in US politics they may be very happy to break ties, with 'same old' Thailand...

[connda]

Good for Ambassador Davies . He ought to say it again loud and clear. All foreigners here need to speak out and come to the aid of all the poor pitiful Thai people who are scared to death to speak their minds.

At last someone with a pair or balls and well done Ambassador Davies

its just a pity that nobody else with the same political muscle speaks their minds

He has diplomatic immunity. He can pretty much say anything he wishes. Those of us without diplomatic immunity have to 'self-edit'.

[londonthai]

An Open Letter to Ultra-Royalists

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1449378769

"While I respect your ideological and political views with regards to the monarchy, I was disappointed that the venerable monk Buddha Issara, who led protesters Nov. 27 to the U.S. Embassy, claimed to be speaking on behalf of all Thais."

[LannaGuy]

An Open Letter to Ultra-Royalists

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1449378769

"While I respect your ideological and political views with regards to the monarchy, I was disappointed that the venerable monk Buddha Issara, who led protesters Nov. 27 to the U.S. Embassy, claimed to be speaking on behalf of all Thais."

wonderful article and it's good to see some Thais articulating what so many believe but cannot say

[wangsuda]

An Open Letter to Ultra-Royalists

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1449378769

"While I respect your ideological and political views with regards to the monarchy, I was disappointed that the venerable monk Buddha Issara, who led protesters Nov. 27 to the U.S. Embassy, claimed to be speaking on behalf of all Thais."

From the article: "Incidentally, as I recently told two curious U.S. diplomats, although there are not many of you, there are enough to overrun their embassy." Interesting way to end what is a good opinion piece.