Lese majeste change urged

News > Local News

Published: 31/12/2011 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

The Truth for Reconciliation Committee has suggested the controversial lese majeste law be amended to reduce the maximum punishment, absolve a minimum penalty, and for the Lord Chamberlain to authorise prosecution.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday, TRC chairman Kanit na Nakorn said abolishing Article 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law, as called for by some people would not be appropriate to Thai society.

However, to maintain the law as it is would not be proper either because it leaves no other option but prosecution for anybody who is accused.

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peterl
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Discussion 1 : 31/12/2011 at 12:21 PM1
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I'm not sure if this is a mistake, as up to now comment on the LM law has not been allowed on the BP website. If this policy has changed, I welcome it as freedom of expression is a core component of a mature democracy and something Thailand needs to have if it is to move in that direction.

I think the government should take the TRC proposals seriously, as they are definitely a move in the right direction.

Left as it is, there is a high risk that the LM law will have unintended side-effects, which may in the end undermine the very institution it is meant to protect.

I think the goal should be to amend the LM law so that it becomes a component of an updated regular libel law covering unacceptable defamation.
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Lese majeste change urged | Bangkok Post: news