Pro-democracy movement calls on UN to back abolition of lese majeste law

The June 24 for Democracy Movement submitted a letter to the UN asking the global community to pressure the Thai government to scrap Section 112 on lese majeste.

The group said Section 112, which punishes criticism of the Thai monarchy with up to 15 years in jail, violates human rights. The pro-democracy Ratsadon group, whose leaders have been targeted with Section 112 charges, backed the call for its abolition.

Protesters say the monarchy would have more dignity if the law was scrapped and they were obliged to get to understand the people more.

The June 24 Democracy Movement said revoking the lese majeste would resolve the political unrest in the country and improve politics.

Thursday’s protest fell on Human Rights Day and also Constitution Day, which commemorates the adoption of Thailand’s first Constitution in 1932.