THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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The King’s words on use of the lese majeste law

The King’s words on use of the lese majeste law

Many countries have questioned the junta’s increased usage of our lese majeste law to restrict freedom of expression. I note that they are in excellent company, for:

“Thailand’s law of lese-majeste has one very prominent critic: King Bhumibol…In 2005, after an increase in politically-inspired lese-majeste complaints, King Bhumibol used his annual televised birthday address to convey three concerns:
(a) The king…is a human being and as such should be subject to criticism;
(b) Charges against those accused of lese-majeste should be dropped and those held in jail for lese-majeste should be released;
(c) The use of the lese-majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy.”  (Grossman and Faulder, “King Bhumibol: A Life’s Work”; approved by the palace).
His Majesty is far more expert on the Thai monarchy than any of us, and is so sage that we lovingly call him our father. I suggest that we heed our royal father on the lese-majeste law, and be most sparing and merciful in using it, for “the use of the lese-majeste law ultimately damages the monarchy”.
Burin Kantabutra

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