Lese majeste law back in spotlight after Thai court ruling

Verdict could present opening for political parties to discuss change in law: Expert

- Tan Tam Mei

A court ruling yesterday will deepen debate in Thailand over the role of the country’s monarchy and the strict laws that protect its reputation.

Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that protest leaders Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, Arnon Nampa, and Panupong “Mike” Jadnok had in separate speeches last year violated the Constitution that bans any move to overthrow the monarchy. They had touched on monarchy reform and abolishing the lese majeste law. The court ordered them and other parties to end their protest movement.

Calls to amend or repeal Section 112 of Thailand’s Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, have been stirring in the past weeks after the country’s biggest opposition party, Pheu Thai, ignited debate by proposing a parliamentary review of the law and its enforcement.

The court’s attempt to shut down the discussion will only exacerbate the situation, said Dr. Paul Chambers of Naresuan University’s Centre of Asean Community Studies.

“Today’s verdict reaffirms the court’s longstanding hard-handed approach to violators of Section 112,” said Dr Chambers yesterday. “It will only stoke tensions and increase the martyr role of the protesters who are already in prison.”